Uche sends Chelle perfect response after being left out of the AFCON 2025 squad

Christantus Uche could not have scripted a better answer to his national team snub, delivering a sharp reminder of his quality just days after being omitted from Nigeria’s 2025 AFCON squad.

The Crystal Palace forward, still waiting for his first Premier League start since arriving in the summer, finally seized his moment with a composed finish in Thursday’s friendly against Shelbourne.

Uche, trusted from the start by Oliver Glasner for the trip to Shelbourne, wasted little time making an impression as he arrived in the box to tap in Eddie Nketiah’s slick low cross in the 11th minute.

It was his first goal in Palace colours, a move built with precision and finished with the calmness of a player eager to prove a point.

The 22-year-old’s clever positioning and quick reactions highlighted the qualities that once made him one of Getafe’s most exciting prospects before his move to England.

With Glasner still weighing his options for Palace’s lone striker role, Uche’s contribution serves as timely pressure, offering a glimpse of what he could bring if handed greater responsibility in competitive fixtures.

More importantly, it played like a direct message to Super Eagles coach Eric Sékou Chelle, who left him out of the squad heading to Morocco.

Nigeria’s 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations was unveiled with firepower and experience, but Uche’s name was absent as Chelle opted for a mix of established performers and rising talents.

Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman headline the attack, supported by Samuel Chukwueze, Simon Moses, and returning giant Paul Onuachu.

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

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali retains his starting role, with Francis Uzoho recalled ahead of Maduka Okoye.

With the team building toward a high-profile friendly against Egypt on December 16 before Group C battles against Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda, the competition for places is fiercer than ever, making Uche’s well-timed breakthrough a statement that he is far from out of the Super Eagles conversation.