Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi was on target for Fulham in their narrow 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon.
Despite opening the scoring in the derby, the Cottagers were undone by two late goals, including a stoppage-time strike that handed Chelsea all three points.
Iwobi, making his 31st start in 33 Premier League matches this season, gave Fulham the lead in the 20th minute.
After controlling a loose ball at the edge of the box, the Nigerian international took a quick touch before sending a precise low finish into the far corner his ninth goal of the campaign.
His goal continues what has been his most productive season in the English top flight. In addition to his goals, Iwobi has contributed five assists, surpassing his previous totals at both Arsenal and Everton.
Fulham started brightly in the derby and thought they had taken an early lead in the fourth minute, only for VAR to disallow the goal. Still, their persistence paid off when Iwobi broke the deadlock midway through the first half.
However, Chelsea found a way back. With Champions League qualification in sight, manager Enzo Maresca introduced Jadon Sancho and Malo Gusto in a bid to spark the attack.
But it was 18-year-old Tyrique George, eligible for Nigeria, who restored parity for the visitors with a well-taken goal.
In stoppage time, Chelsea broke Fulham hearts with a sweeping counter-attack. Cole Palmer drove the move forward and found Enzo Fernández on the right, who then squared the ball to Neto for a composed finish to seal the win.
The result pushes Chelsea up to fifth on the Premier League table, just one point behind Manchester City, strengthening their Champions League hopes.
For Fulham, who currently sit ninth, Iwobi’s form remains a bright spot. The Super Eagles star will be crucial as they continue their push for a potential European spot in the final weeks of the season.
