Bassey, Chukwueze, Iwobi commended for contribution in Nigeria’s World Cup Qualifiers playoff feat
Nigeria forwards Victor Osimhen (left) and Samuel Chukwueze (right) after helping the Super Eagles take third place at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Image credit: Victor Modo/BBC
By Edwin Emeanua
Fulham has singled out Nigeria internationals Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi for praise over their contribution in Super Eagles’ World Cup qualifier 4-0 bashing of Benin.
The trio were vital in Éric Chelle side’s convincing win against the Cheetahs, firing Nigeria to one of the four playoff spot allotted to CAF by FIFA on the death, Tuesday in Uyo, Nigeria.
On Fulham’s website the Club described Nigeria’s playoff qualification as eventful, also recognizing the roles played by Nigeria’s three internationals on “The Cottagers,” books.
“A dramatic late goal proved decisive for Nigeria as they booked their place in the World Cup Play-Offs after beating both Lesotho and Benin,” the Club stated on its website.
“After a 2-1 victory over Lesotho, our Fulham trio knew a hefty victory over group leaders Benin would be needed to keep their destiny in their own hands.
“A Victor Osimhen hat-trick – the first two of which were brilliantly assisted by Samuel Chukwueze – wasn’t even going to be enough to confirm Nigeria’s place as one of the four best runners-up in qualifying, but a stoppage time effort from Frank Onyeka edged their goal difference high enough to sneak into the Play-Offs, where they will meet Gabon in November.
“Calvin Bassey played the full 180 minutes, Alex Iwobi all but two, while Chukwueze came off the bench against Lesotho, before starting and being replaced at half-time against Benin.”
Next international stop for the Fulham trio will be in Morocco where Super Eagles will clash with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang skippered Panthers on November 13.
Winners of that encounter goes through to the epic final of the CAF/FIFA 2026 WCQ playoff.
Nigeria or Gabon could potentially end up facing off with one of the pair of Cameroon or Democratic Republic of Congo who are set to clash same day in the other playoff semifinal game. The final game comes up three days later in Morocco.
