SUPER Eagles stars Victor Osimhen and Calvin Bassey both scored in their last club matches tonight before leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
While Osimhen struck in Galatasaray’s 4-1 win at Antalyaspor in the Turkish Super Lig, Bassey was on target as Fulham returned to winning ways in the English Premier League with a 3-2 victory at Burnley.
Osimhen netted Galatasaray’s third goal in the away victory, taking his tally this season to 12 goals in 15 appearances in all competitions for the Turkish champions this season.
With the victory Galatasaray extended their lead at the top of the Super Lig to five points over Trabzonspor, who have a game in hand.
In England, in addition to Bassey’s goal, Samuel Chukwueze continued his productive run with an assist as Fulham inflicted a seventh straight Premier League defeat on Burnley.
Harry Wilson set up two of Fulham’s goals before scoring their third.
In an entertaining first half, the visitors led when the Wales forward’s low corner inexplicably beat Clarets full-back Quilindschy Hartman – who was supposedly defending the near post – allowing Emile Smith Rowe to divert in from three yards.
Despite their dismal form, Burnley responded well – Bernd Leno was alert to smother an opening for Lesley Ugochukwu, but could do nothing when the midfielder with Nigerian heritage prodded low into the corner from Josh Cullen’s through ball to level.
However, Fulham were gifted a second just after the half-hour mark as Bassey was allowed to head home uncontested, in a crowded penalty area, after a fine control and cross from the excellent Wilson.
Scott Parker’s hosts had chances either side of half-time, Ugochukwu and Jacob Bruun Larsen denied by Leno, but fell 3-1 behind to a classy guided shot into the far corner by Wilson – who was picked out by Chukwueze.
Burnley remain five points from safety, a gap which could widen after Sunday’s games, while Fulham rise to 13th and have a seven-point cushion over the bottom three after ending an extraordinary 34-game winless run at Turf Moor – stretching back to 1951.
Super Eagles players are expected to start reporting for AFCON duty from this weekend, with a pre-tournament scheduled for Tuesday against Egypt in Cairo.
The 2025 AFCON is set for Morocco from December 21 to January 18.