Iwobi lauds Fulham’s influence on Bassey’s big moment during win over Aina’s Nottingham Forest

Alex Iwobi has credited the togetherness among Fulham’s stars as a big factor in Calvin Bassey’s headed winner against Nottingham Forest at the weekend, Footynaija.com reports.

Calvin Bassey played a pivotal role in Fulham’s 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, scoring a crucial goal that capped a resilient performance at the Craven Cottage.

The Nigerian defender, who has endured ups and downs since his move from Ajax in 2023, showed his determination with a strong defensive display and a goal that lifted Marco Silva’s side closer to the European conversation.

Oh snaaaap. W & a goal. How greedy !! Give thanks always pic.twitter.com/JBPCcqcJk0

— Calvin Bassey (@CalvinBassey) February 15, 2025

Bassey’s moment of joy came after a setback when Forest’s Chris Wood cancelled out the home team’s opener after firing through the Nigerian defender’s legs.

But rather than dwelling on the Forest goal, Bassey responded in style—an attitude that perfectly encapsulates the team spirit at Fulham.

Alex Iwobi, who was instrumental in midfield, spoke glowingly about the camaraderie within the squad being key to Bassey’s confidence.

“The chemistry in the changing room is amazing. We’re not just colleagues or work friends, we’re actually like brothers,” he told the Mirror. “Calvin was a bit down at the way Forest scored their goal. However, for him to respond and score like that, everyone got behind him and we’re so happy for him.”

The celebrations reflected Fulham’s bond, with Iwobi, Bassey, and Issa Diop spotted dancing in the dressing room after the game—securing bragging rights in the lighthearted ‘Snapchat derby.’

x pic.twitter.com/7lB9YfTtiz

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) February 15, 2025

For Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina, a former Fulham player, it was a frustrating evening. The Nigerian full-back, who has become a key figure at the City Ground, played his part in a spirited Forest performance but could not prevent defeat.

Iwobi acknowledged the significance of victories over Newcastle and Forest but kept a level head. “To do the double over big teams will definitely give us an advantage, but we always take it game by game,” he explained. “It’s [European qualification] definitely in the back of our minds, though.”

Looking ahead, Iwobi, Bassey, and Aina will reunite under new Super Eagles head coach Finidi George as Nigeria aim to revive their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes against Rwanda and Zimbabwe next month.