Samuel Chukwueze Faces Nigerian Fan Backlash After Costly Solo Run in Super Eagles Loss to Portugal

Nigerian supporters have turned on Samuel Chukwueze following his brief but impactful appearance in the Super Eagles’ defeat to Portugal, with his late decision-making in a key attacking moment sparking widespread condemnation on social media.

Chukwueze was introduced in the 80th minute, replacing Tochukwu Nnadi as Nigeria pushed for an equaliser. The AC Milan winger had little time to make his mark, but the moment that defined his cameo came during a 2-versus-1 break with Terem Moffi. Rather than playing in his teammate and converting the numerical advantage, Chukwueze opted to continue independently — a decision that ended with him losing possession before any real chance could be created.

The reaction from Nigerian fans was immediate and unforgiving. “What was Chukwueze thinking here? That he’s Messi or what?” wrote one supporter on X, formerly Twitter. “This was a chance to equalize! I don tire for this guy man, there were many things he could’ve done there that would’ve led to goal but he chose to turn back and run into walls.” Another supporter was equally blunt: “People like Chukwueze have no business in the national team.”

Several fans also raised the prospect of emerging wide options pushing Chukwueze further down the pecking order. “Do they both know there is Femi Azeez, who is very lethal?” one supporter asked, while another added, “Now, imagine Femi Azeez in that Chukwueze position.” The name of Zadok Yohanna, another rising wide option for the Super Eagles, was also invoked, with one fan writing, “I hope Samuel Chukwueze is aware there is now a Zadok Yohanna?”

Beyond the Portugal incident, some supporters revisited Chukwueze’s record in high-pressure moments for Nigeria, pointing specifically to his Panenka penalty attempt during a crucial shootout at AFCON 2025 as a recurring symbol of questionable judgement at decisive junctures. There were also suggestions that head coach Eric Chelle may harbour reservations about the winger, with one fan claiming the coach “doesn’t have confidence in him” — though no official statement from Chelle has confirmed this.

Chukwueze, 26, has been a regular fixture in the Super Eagles setup in recent years, having earned his reputation through performances in Europe, first with Villarreal and now at AC Milan following his €35 million move to the Italian club in 2023. However, his form and output for the national team have been inconsistent, and the Portugal cameo has done little to quiet his critics.

The defeat to Portugal came as part of Nigeria’s pre-World Cup preparations, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Nigeria did not qualify for the tournament, making these international fixtures all the more significant in terms of squad evaluation and long-term planning under Chelle.

For Chukwueze, the latest episode compounds an already difficult period regarding his standing with the national team. With younger wide options gaining visibility and fan sentiment shifting, the pressure on him to produce decisive performances when called upon has rarely been greater.