Calvin Bassey from Fulham Steps Back from Nigeria Team Following Injury

Calvin Bassey from Fulham Steps Back from Nigeria Team Following Injury
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The defender was set to lead the Super Eagles defence in the upcoming four-team tournament scheduled in Antalya, Turkey.

The Nigeria national teams social media update confirmed that Bassey has left the squad because of a back problem.

The message on X stated: Calvin Bassey has pulled out of the Nigeria national football team for the friendlies versus Iran and Jordan owing to a back injury. Hope for a quick recovery, CB.

Although details on the injury severity were not mentioned, the three-time African winners will take on the games using Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu and newcomer Emmanuel Fernandez.

This injury to Bassey could hinder his clubs efforts to secure a European spot by the close of the 2025/26 season.

Fulham sit in ninth position in the English Premier League standings, with 44 points from 31 matches, where the Nigerian player has featured in 23 games and scored once.

In the meantime, team captain Wilfred Ndidi was the most recent arrival at the camp, and the full group practised ahead of their initial fixture.

As per the event timetable, Eric Chelles side will start against Iran, who are heading to the World Cup, on March 27th.

Then, four days after, they face Jordan, as Iran takes on Costa Rica in their next encounter.

Nigeria Squad

Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)

Defenders: Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Coventry FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy)

Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Philip Otele (Hamburger SV, Germany); Collins Yira Sor (KRC Genk, Belgium)