Nigerian trio Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze were all in the starting lineup for Fulham, but it was a difficult afternoon at the Etihad Stadium as Manchester City secured a commanding 3-0 victory.
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City’s dominance saw them close the gap on league leaders Arsenal, strengthening their push in the title race with an emphatic home performance.
The breakthrough came in the 24th minute following a costly error. A poor execution from Sander Berge gifted possession to the hosts, allowing Antoine Semenyo to capitalize from close range with a composed right-footed finish.
Just six minutes later, City doubled their advantage. Semenyo turned provider, setting up Nico O’Reilly, who produced a sublime left-footed lob to leave the goalkeeper stranded and send the home fans into celebration.
Before halftime, Pep Guardiola’s men struck again. In the 39th minute, Phil Foden delivered the assist for Erling Haaland, who unleashed a powerful left-footed effort from outside the box to beat the keeper and put the game beyond Fulham’s reach.
Samuel Chukwueze was substituted in the 60th minute, making way for J. King, as Fulham searched for a response that never came.
Despite the presence of the Nigerian internationals in the starting XI, Fulham struggled to contain City’s attacking firepower, leaving the Etihad empty-handed in what proved to be a one-sided contest.
