October 8, (THEWILL) – Nigeria defender, Calvin Bassey, has recovered from injury in time to join up with the national team ahead of their upcoming friendlies. The 22-year-old Fulham player had been a doubt after being forced off during his club’s League Cup win over Norwich last month.
However, Bassey was back in action at the weekend, coming off the bench during Fulham’s 3-1 Premier League victory over Sheffield United. His availability will come as a boost to Nigeria boss Jose Peseiro, who has injury concerns elsewhere in defence.
Porto full-back, Zaidu Sanusi, misses out due to a muscle problem, while West Brom’s Semi Ajayi has not played since rolling his ankle last month. Gent’s Jordan Torunarigha has only just returned from a knock, and Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina is also struggling with a muscle issue.
Nigeria play Saudi Arabia in a friendly on Friday, before facing Mozambique next week. Bassey’s return reduces Peseiro’s headaches, with the Fulham man able to provide cover across the back line.
The 22-year-old is a product of the Leicester City academy and has been a regular for Fulham in the Premier League this season. His versatility will be valuable as Nigeria fine-tune ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
