Two Fulham players were in action on Friday night for their nation, with Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi both representing Nigeria in their World Cup qualifier with Rwanda.
Nigeria came through the test with a 2-0 win thanks to goals from superstar striker Victor Osimhen, and the win leaves them fourth in their qualifying group with plenty of work to do after a disappointing start, four points behind leaders South Africa after five games and two behind second-placed Benin.
It was a comfortable win for Nigeria, who denied their hosts any shots on target, and the two Fulham players were part of that effort. Both players received stellar ratings from Own Goal Nigeria.
Writing about Bassey, who played 90 minutes at centre-back, they said: “Won virtually all his duels and was brilliant in ensuring that Rwanda got no sniff of the Super Eagles goal. Made more clearance than any other player on the pitch…..8/10.”
Meanwhile, Iwobi also played a full 90 minutes, and of the Fulham forward, they wrote: “Cool, calm and collected under pressure. Didn’t look troubled even when Rwanda tried to press. Showed good understanding of the diamond formation system by the head coach Eric Chelle…..8.5/10.”
Nigeria return to action on Tuesday night when they take on Zimbabwe, who are bottom of the qualifying group as things stand. Fulham will be hoping their two stars remain fully fit and in good form for that game and beyond as they look ahead to next Saturday’s all-important FA Cup quarter-final clash with Crystal Palace, just days before taking on Arsenal in the Premier League.
Both players have been key to Fulham’s success this season, with Bassey and Iwobi fixtures of Marco Silva’s starting XI. It will be a busy time for both players, playing in Africa and then travelling back for a busy schedule with the Cottagers when they return, starting with two games in four days.
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