AFCON 2025 snub? No wahala: Uche fires back at Eric Chelle with BRUTAL first Crystal Palace goal

Crystal Palace delivered a clinical first-half performance to comfortably defeat League of Ireland side Shelbourne 3-0 at Tallaght Stadium in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday night

The star of the show, in a narrative sense, was Nigerian forward Christantus Uche, who marked his first start for the Eagles in the European campaign with a goal and an assist, just hours after being confirmed as a major snub from the Super Eagles' AFCON 2025 squad.

The victory ensures Palace remains within striking distance of the automatic top-eight qualifying spots for the knockout phase.

• 11' - C. UCHE GOAL

Finished a slick team move, slotting a first-time shot past the keeper (assisted by Eddie Nketiah). (FIRST PALACE GOAL!)

• 25' - E. NKETIAH GOAL

Tapped home the rebound after Uche's initial close-range shot hit the post.

• 37' - Y. PINO GOAL

Superb solo effort, weaving past defenders before drilling a low shot into the bottom corner.

Given his recent national team disappointment, Uche was arguably the most motivated man on the pitch after a worthy Man of the Match.

He clinically converted from Nketiah's low cross in the 11th minute, demonstrating the predatory instinct that Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle will be forced to reconsider.

His aggressive run and shot led directly to the second goal 10 minutes later, with Eddie Nketiah tapping in the rebound after Uche saw a shot come back off the post.

Manager Oliver Glasner praised the team's efficiency, but Uche, who has been out of favour, took his chance confidently, showing tremendous hunger and desire to contribute to the collective.

Just hours before this performance, Super Eagles coach Chelle unveiled Nigeria's 28-man squad for the 2025 AFCON with firepower and experience, but Uche's name was absent.

Nigeria's attack is headlined by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, supported by Samuel Chukwueze, Simon Moses, and returning giant Paul Onuachu.

The midfield features Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika, while the defence includes Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, Chidozie Awaziem, and newcomer Ryan Alebiosu.

The 22-year-old had been included in the initial provisional squad but didn't make the final cut. His struggle for playing time at Crystal Palace since joining on loan from Getafe in the summer proved costly.

Before Thursday's match, Uche had managed only one start in nine appearances across all competitions, totalling just 124 minutes, barely enough to build momentum or strengthen his case for international selection.

The exclusion hurt deeply. Earlier this month, Uche took to Instagram to voice his frustration, writing: "It hurts when you go through something that kills you inside, but you have to act like it doesn't bother you at all".

Palace, fielding a rotated side including Uche and Yeremy Pino, were refreshingly ruthless. They wrapped up the contest before the break, bagging three goals against an overwhelmed Shelbourne defence.

This efficiency was a welcome sight for Glasner, who has often criticised his team's lack of a killer instinct. The Eagles dominated proceedings, with Marc Guehi having the first opportunity inside three minutes, setting the tone for a commanding display.

Uche could not have scripted a better answer to his national team snub, delivering a sharp reminder of his quality just days after being left out. His performance was more than just a footballing statement; it was deeply personal.

The timing couldn't have been more poignant. As Nigeria prepares for a high-profile friendly against Egypt before Group C battles against Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda, Uche's well-timed breakthrough serves as a statement that he is far from out of the Super Eagles conversation.

His link-up play with Nketiah throughout the game was particularly encouraging, with both players demonstrating the kind of understanding that could prove valuable in competitive fixtures. Their individual contributions included another goal for Nketiah, while their partnership in Dublin was encouraging.

Meanwhile, the win moves Crystal Palace up to ninth place in the league phase table, just one point outside the top eight automatic qualification spots. They need only a point at home to KuPS of Finland next Thursday in their final league-phase fixture to guarantee at least a play-off spot for the knockout rounds in February.

For Palace, the victory represents more than just three points; it showcases their growing depth in attack. With the team about to enter a hectic run of fixtures, including two matches in two days next week, having players like Uche and Nketiah capable of stepping in and making immediate impacts could prove crucial.

The Nigerian forward now faces an interesting crossroads. His performance against Shelbourne has proven he can deliver when given the opportunity, but the question remains whether Glasner will afford him more regular playing time in the Premier League.

Reports suggest that despite his limited minutes, Uche wants to stay at Palace and help them try to qualify for the Champions League.

FIFA regulations also complicate any potential return to Getafe in January, as a player can be registered with up to three clubs in one season but can only play official matches for two.

For now, Uche's response to his AFCON snub has been emphatic: score goals, create chances, and remind everyone watching, including Eric Chelle, of what they're missing.

While the Super Eagles prepare for Morocco, Uche will be watching from afar, but if he continues to perform like this, the next call-up may not be far away.