Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze has revealed that he is comfortable playing as a striker, a statement that could hand national team coach Eric Chelle a new tactical advantage ahead of Nigeria’s crucial World Cup playoff fixtures.
Chukwueze made the disclosure after featuring for Fulham in their 2–0 defeat to Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday. The former Villarreal forward replaced Harry Wilson in the 59th minute but was later asked to play as a makeshift striker following an injury to Rodrigo Muniz in the 75th minute.
Speaking after the encounter, Chukwueze explained that the central attacking role was not unfamiliar to him.
“I’ve been striking since when I was in Villarreal, and it was good. But today, I was looking for the ball, but it’s okay, it’s part of the game,” he said. “They needed someone to be in that position, so it had to be me. The loss was a difficult one to take, so we have to focus on the next game.”
The 25-year-old’s comments suggest he could offer Chelle more tactical options, especially as Nigeria prepares for the playoffs. Despite Fulham’s loss, Chukwueze’s ability to adapt in different positions highlights his attacking intelligence and flexibility attributes that may prove valuable for the Super Eagles.
Chelle, who favours an attacking setup with two strikers, could deploy Chukwueze in a supporting forward role alongside Victor Osimhen. The pair have already shown strong chemistry, with Chukwueze assisting two of Osimhen’s goals in Nigeria’s last outing against Benin Republic.
