Udeze Urges Bassey to Fight for Fulham Return

Former Nigeria international Ifeanyi Udeze has challenged Calvin Bassey to raise his performance levels and fight his way back into Fulham’s starting lineup.

Bassey, who starred for Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations by playing every minute of seven matches and earning a place in CAF’s Team of the Tournament, has struggled for minutes since returning to England.

The centre-back has featured for only four minutes across three games, with Jorge Cuenca cementing his place in Marco Silva’s defence during Bassey’s absence.

Udeze noted that this is a common challenge for African players who leave their clubs mid-season to represent their countries at AFCON.

‘Sometimes when you go to play for your country, another player takes your position. If that player steps up, it becomes difficult to reclaim your spot,’ he explained. He added that Bassey must seize every opportunity, even if limited, to prove he deserves his place again.

‘The only game Cuenca didn’t step up was against Everton. Calvin Bassey has to step up his game, fight. If he has two or three minutes, he should show he wants his position back. It is good when every position is competitive. He has to work very hard to get his shirt back,’ Udeze said.

It remains uncertain whether Bassey will feature when Fulham face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League.