Bassey & Iwobi rewrite history as Super Eagles-inspired Fulham clip Man United’s wings

Published on by Emmanuel Ayamga

Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi were the heroes as Fulham defeated Manchester United 2-1 in the Premier League on Saturday, February 24, 2024.

The Nigeria duo both scored in the second half as Marco Silva’s side recorded their first win at Old Trafford since 2003.

The Cottagers surprised the hosts with their dominant start to the game, although they squandered the chances that came their way in the first half.

The second half was, however, a different ball game altogether as Bassey and Iwobi broke the hearts of Manchester United’s fans with goals on either side of Harry Maguire’s late equaliser.

Bassey, Iwobi shoot down Manchester United

Bassey has been ever-present for Marco Silva’s side since joining from Ajax last summer and he finally netted his first Premier League goal against the Red Devils on Saturday.

The 24-year-old finished with aplomb inside the box after Manchester United’s defence failed to deal with a floating ball from a corner kick.

Erik ten Hag’s side failed to clear a cross from Andreas Pereira, allowing Bassey to hit an attempt towards goal, which unfortunately was blocked by his teammate Timothy Castagne.

However, Bassey reacted quickest to the loose ball, this time hitting a power shot with his right foot which nestled off the net to mark his first Premier League goal.

With Fulham gaining control and headed for victory, Maguire restored parity in the 89th minute to set up a tense finale.

However, another Nigerian stepped up to hand Fulham all three points, as Iwobi struck late on to seal an important 2-1 victory for the Cottagers.

Bassey, Iwobi carry impressive AFCON form back to Fulham

Meanwhile, both Bassey and Iwobi have carried their brilliant form at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024) in Ivory Coast back to their club.

The pair were constant fixtures for Jose Peseiro’s side as the Super Eagles reached the final of the tournament, where they were beaten 2-1 by hosts Ivory Coast.

However, both players were widely praised for their contributions, although Iwobi’s unconvincing outing in the final saw him subjected to trolls and cyberbullying on social media.

Iwobi and Bassey’s goals against Manchester United, though, would come as a huge relief for both players after the heartbreak of the AFCON loss.

Bassey & Iwobi rewrite history as Super Eagles-inspired Fulham clip Man United’s wings

Emmanuel Ayamga

Emmanuel Ayamga is a Ghanaian journalist with a little over five years of experience writing about African football.

His articles and features have been published in renowned news media like Pulse Ghana, The Guardian, DW, Al Jazeera and Sportskeeda. His bylines can also be found in the UK journals World Soccer Magazine and These Football Times.