Calvin Bassey Set To Return In April After Injury Knocked Him Out Of Nigeria Squad

According to Ireporter Online, Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey is set to return to action on April 11 after a minor back issue forced him to withdraw from Nigeria’s March international friendlies.

The Fulham defender had been named in coach Eric Chelle’s 23-man squad but pulled out last week, leading to a late call-up for Chibuike Nwaiwu of Trabzonspor. The decision surprised some observers, as the 26-year-old played the full 90 minutes in Fulham’s 3-1 victory over Burnley shortly before the international break. The projected return date is viewed as a precaution rather than a serious setback.

Fulham, who were recently eliminated from the FA Cup, have no league fixture immediately after the break, setting the stage for Bassey’s likely comeback in a high-profile trip to Liverpool at Anfield. The timing is crucial for Fulham’s European ambitions, with the west London club currently ninth in the Premier League, five points shy of fifth place with seven games remaining.

Bassey has been central to Fulham’s campaign, featuring in 23 of the club’s 31 league matches this season, missing only games that conflicted with the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The Nigerian international, who won Fulham’s Player of the Year award last term, has continued to perform at a high standard throughout the current season.

In Bassey’s absence, the Super Eagles recorded a 2-1 win over Iran and are scheduled to face Jordan at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31.