WATCH: Super Eagles star Samuel Chukwueze speaking many languages, but forgets Igbo

A lighthearted video of Samuel Chukwueze showing off his multilingual skills during Fulham training has sparked an amusing debate among Nigerian fans about cultural identity and the realities of life as an international footballer.

The 26-year-old Super Eagles winger was recorded saying "good morning" in several languages as the Cottagers prepared for their Premier League clash against Burnley on Saturday evening.

Chukwueze, who has been in impressive form since joining Fulham, looked fluent and smooth as he switched effortlessly between Spanish, Italian, and English, legacies of his time at Villarreal and AC Milan.

But it was what he didn't say that caught fans' attention.

As Chukwueze showcased his linguistic versatility before being playfully distracted by teammates, Nigerian fans on social media were quick to notice the glaring omission: his native Igbo language.

The comment section erupted with a mixture of humour, disappointment, and gentle ribbing: "And my guy missed the chance to speak Igbo," one fan wrote.

"Bros missed the chance to speak Igbo. Mpama," another added. "He should have been a good time to say it in Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba," suggested a third, referencing Nigeria's three major languages.

One fan offered the perfect solution he could have used: "Should have said 'ututu oma' or 'morn sir'" both Igbo greetings that would have resonated with his compatriots back home.

While the reactions were largely playful, the moment highlights an interesting aspect of modern football culture.

Players like Chukwueze, who leave home young to pursue careers abroad, often spend their formative years immersed in foreign languages and cultures.

Chukwueze moved to Spain as a teenager to join Villarreal's academy, where Spanish became his daily language.

After years in La Liga, he moved to AC Milan in Italy before his recent loan switch to Fulham in the Premier League. For young players navigating European football, mastering local languages is often essential, not just for communication on the pitch, but for integration into new communities.

Still, for many Nigerian fans, there's an understandable desire to see their stars maintain strong connections to home, including language and culture.

Beyond the linguistic banter, Chukwueze's future at Fulham continues to generate serious discussion. The Nigerian international joined the Cottagers on a season-long loan from AC Milan with an option to buy, and his performances have been nothing short of spectacular.

His two goals against Manchester City particularly caught the eye, showcasing the pace, skill, and directness that made him one of La Liga's most exciting talents. Fans have naturally been eager to see the club make his move permanent.

However, Fulham manager Marco Silva has recently tempered expectations, refusing to commit to any long-term plans during the January transfer window. When asked about making the deal permanent, Silva remained diplomatic, emphasising the need to focus on the present rather than future transfer decisions.

One cynical fan summed up the anxiety many Fulham supporters feel: "Never fall in love with a loan player. Una no Dey hear ok oo", a warning in pidgin English about the heartbreak of falling for a player who might leave.

The video, while amusing, reflects the complex identity that comes with being an African footballer in Europe. Chukwueze represents Nigeria on the international stage, but his daily life is lived in English stadiums, shaped by years in Spanish and Italian football cultures.

Perhaps the next time cameras catch him greeting teammates in multiple languages, he'll remember to throw in an "ututu oma" for the fans back home and spare himself the playful roasting on social media.

For now, though, Fulham supporters are more concerned with keeping him at Craven Cottage than which languages he speaks. And if his recent form is anything to go by, he's letting his feet do all the talking that matters.

Samuel Chukwueze has made 9 appearances for Fulham this season, contributing five goals (2 goals, 3 assists) since joining on loan from AC Milan.