Calvin Bassey to miss Super Eagles friendly against Mali, returns to Fulham for further assessment 

Allnigeriasoccer.com can exclusively report Super Eagles interim boss Finidi George will not be able to count on the services of Calvin Bassey for the national team's friendly against Mali at Stade de Marrakech on Tuesday, March 26.

The Fulham central defender was named in Nigeria's gameday squad for the 2-1 win against Ghana but it reality, he was not available for selection due to fitness issues. 

The Cottagers have recalled him from international duty for further assessment ahead of their next Premier League game against Sheffield United on Saturday, March 30.

Bassey did not participate in Nigeria's last two training sessions leading up to the match against Ghana and also did not join the recovery workout on Saturday.

Every player in the camp is required to attend training sessions and team meals, but he hasn't been present for any of them.

Bassey has been nursing a knock since he reported for international duty and was included in the matchday squad versus Ghana just to make up the numbers.

Regarding Saturday's recovery workout, as is the norm, all the players that started and played large periods of the 2-1 win against Ghana did not participate in full training with the team.

The likes of Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem and Bright Osayi-Samuel did a bit of jogging and stretching exercises before they were released to sit down.

Those that didn't play at all or barely took part in the game against the Black Stars were drilled and put through their paces by Finidi George. 

Benjamin Tanimu, who was replaced due to injury on his Nigeria debut, jogged normally during the recovery session. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com