Ex-Super Eagles defender tells Bassey to “work hard” after losing starting spot at Fulham

Former Super Eagles and FC Ashdod full-back Juwon Oshaniwa has weighed in on Calvin Bassey’s limited gametime at Fulham, Afrik Foot reports.

Prior to the AFCON 2025 tournament, Bassey started all but one of Fulham’s Premier League games, forming a strong bond with Joachim Andersen in the Cottagers defence.

However, Jorge Cuenca stepped up while the former Rangers defender was on International duty with the Super Eagles of Nigeria during the AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco.

Upon his return to Craven Cottage, the 26-year-old has been subject to substitute appearances.

Oshaniwa offers Fulham’s Calvin Bassey some respite

In an interview with Brila, the former Super Eagles defender admitted that Bassey must be frustrated but urged him to keep his head down and continue working hard.

“It is a very bad one. You’re talking about someone who just finished a very big tournament like AFCON, the biggest tournament on the African continent, where he had a brilliant outing.

“Coming back to sit on the bench is not a good situation at all,” Oshaniwa said.

“He was a regular before leaving for the tournament, so finding himself in this position shouldn’t be like that.

“But, he should keep his head up and continue working hard, even in training, while he waits for his chance,” the 35-year-old concluded.

Fulham are currently 10th in the English Premier League, five points behind 6th-placed Liverpool.