Alex Iwobi scored the decisive goal as Fulham edged past Leicester City 2-1 at Craven Cottage, securing their first win of the 2024/25 season.
Marco Silva's side entered the match on the heels of a 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford last week and were determined to make amends to set the tone for a successful campaign.
Former Arsenal man Emile Smith Rowe made an immediate impact in his second competitive match for Fulham, giving the hosts the lead in the 18th minute.
However, his goal was nullified 20 minutes later when Wout Faes scored the equaliser for the visitors just before the interval.
Iwobi's performance in numbers
Iwobi restored Fulham's lead in the 70th minute, receiving a deft right-footed reverse pass from Antonee Robinson.
The Nigeria international calmly slotted the ball beyond goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, netting his side's second goal of the day and his first Premier League goal of the season.
Iwobi registered 55 touches and completed 32 of 41 passes, translating to a 78% accuracy rate. He had two shots on target, with one resulting in a decisive goal.
He was a little less robust in physical engagements, however, winning none of his six duels and losing possession 18 times, the second-most of any Fulham player. To boot, he was successful with none of his three attempts at a dribble.
In spite of these, his involvement in key moments highlighted his crucial role in securing the victory and making a notable impact on the game.
How did the other Super Eagles players fare?
Iwobi was not the only Nigerian in action. Fulham's Calvin Bassey and Leicester City's Wilfred Ndidi also featured.
Bassey, as a defender, recorded 80 touches, completed 65 of 72 passes and blocked one shot, but won only one of three aerial duels.
Ndidi, a formidable presence in midfield, recorded 39 out of 43 passes, had 60 touches, provided one key pass, and registered one shot on target. He also won six of eleven ground duels, had one shot blocked, made two clearances, and executed three tackles.
