Nigeria CB Bassey under scrutiny after costly error in Fulham’s 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace

Gail Davis, a sports reporter, has criticized Fulham defender Calvin Bassey for his role in Crystal Palace’s second goal during their 3-0 victory over the Cottagers in the FA Cup.

Bassey, who has been one of Fulham’s standout performers this season, was caught out at the near post as Ismaïla Sarr glanced home a cross from Eberechi Eze.

The England international, Eze, had opened the scoring for the Eagles in the 34th minute before Sarr doubled the lead just four minutes later. Eddie Nketiah sealed the victory with a goal in the second half.

Speaking on Sky Sports,  Gail Davis said that Fulham made it very easy, describing the goal as almost being scored in slow motion.

She explained that Eze delivered a lovely weighted cross, but Bassey should have done better, allowing Sarr to score with an easy header.

Davis also noted that Mateta was the first to celebrate with the goal scorer and remarked that it was hard to believe Fulham were 2-0 down after such a strong first 30 minutes.

Despite the criticism, Bassey has had an impressive campaign for Fulham across all competitions. 

The Nigerian international, making only his second FA Cup appearance for the club, has featured in 30 matches this season.

He has also contributed a goal, notably scoring in the Premier League against Nottingham Forest and FA Cup against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

His performances have not gone unnoticed, as he has earned a call-up to the Super Eagles ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda in Kigali and Zimbabwe in Uyo.

Adeyemi Adewale

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