Super Eagles stars Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi were in the thick of the action as Fulham fought back to earn a vital point against Premier League giants Manchester United at Craven Cottage on Sunday, Footynaija.com reports.
Both Bassey and Iwobi featured for the full duration of a highly entertaining encounter that saw United’s captain Bruno Fernandes miss a penalty in the first half before Emile Smith-Rowe came off the bench to level matters for Fulham after Rodrigo Muniz had fortuitously given the visitors a lead midway into the second half.
Calvin Bassey’s highlights
Going into the game, there were some concerns that the big center-back would have to play out of position but the return of both Ryan Sessegnon and Antonee Robinson to the matchday squad meant he got to start at the heart of defence.
Bassey enjoyed a solid game overall, marshalling that back line with confidence and class for most parts of the game. However, he almost put his team in trouble after conceding a contentious penalty following a lengthy VAR check.
Fortunately for the Nigeria international, United’s skipper failed to capitalize and the Cottagers went on to earn a point. Save for that penalty concession, Bassey enjoyed a near-perfect outing.
Alex Iwobi’s highlights
While his compatriot shone at the heart of defense, Alex Iwobi put on a very impressive display in the forward areas for Fulham. The former Arsenal was at the center of everything good the Cottagers did attacking-wise.
Iwobi capped his impressive performance by orchestrating the decisive moment of the game as it was his tantalizingly whipped cross from out on the left flank that found fellow Hale End graduate Smith-Rowe to provide Fulham’s equalizer.
What this means for the Super Eagles
Bassey and Iwobi were named in Eric Chelle’s preliminary 31-man list for the Super Eagles’ must-win 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification games against Rwanda and South Africa slated for early September.
Both players have established themselves as vital players for the Nigeria national team setup in recent years and many fans and observers will be expecting them to make it into Eric Chelle’s final squad list.
Today’s performance has certainly done their chances of making the cut a world of good. But even more important is the confidence that comes with this kind of form and how crucial it could prove to be when these players pull on the Super Eagles kit.