Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi could go straight into Fulham’s side for this weekend’s meeting with Aston Villa straight after returning from the African Cup of Nations, according to the Evening Standard.
The Nigerian duo are understood to be fully fit and willing to start Saturday’s Premier League encounter, which comes only six days after the Super Eagles were beaten by hosts Ivory Coast in a dramatic AFCON final. Fulham say they will offer Iwobi ‘every possible support’ after the midfielder was abused online for a perceived poor performance in the final. The former Everton and Arsenal midfielder has taken himself off social media as a result, but is believed to be looking forward to returning to club football.
Nigerian captain Ahmed Musa addressed the abuse meted out to Iwobi in a social media statement earlier today:
Dear fans, I want to please urge you to halt the cyber-bullying directed towards Alex Iwobi. Cyber bullying is not just a violation of decency but also a serious crime. It’s hypocritical to claim that football unites us while engaging in such behaviour. Losing a game is undoubtedly tough, but targeting a single player for the team’s shortcomings is unfair and unjust. We win as a team, and we lose as a team. Alex gave his all on the field, just like every member of our squad.
“Instead of spreading negativity, let’s show genuine love and support to our players. They need our encouragement now more than ever. Let’s uplift each other and stand united, both in victory and defeat.”
The immediate return of the Nigerian internationals would represent a serious boost for Marco Silva, who admitted Fulham have badly missed Bassey’s defensive discipline and Iwobi’s energy in midfield since the pair joined the Nigerian training camp in early January.
