Oshaniwa: Bassey’s Fulham Bench Role a Sad Situation
Former Nigeria international Juwon Oshaniwa has expressed sympathy for Calvin Bassey, describing the defender’s current situation at Fulham as ‘sad’ after his outstanding Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
Bassey was a pillar in Nigeria’s backline throughout AFCON 2025 in Morocco, playing every minute until his suspension in the third-place playoff against Egypt.
His consistency earned him a spot in CAF’s Best XI, a recognition of his commanding performances despite Nigeria falling short of the final.
Yet, since returning to Fulham, the 26-year-old has barely featured. Before AFCON, he was almost ever-present in Marco Silva’s side, missing just one of 16 Premier League matches.
But since his return, he has played only four minutes, coming on at Old Trafford in Fulham’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester United, while being left on the bench against Brighton and Everton.
Silva has hinted that Bassey must fight his way back into the starting lineup, with Jorge Cuenca currently preferred in central defence.
Oshaniwa, who earned 17 caps for Nigeria, admitted he finds the situation difficult to understand.
‘The situation is sad, it is a very bad one,’ Oshaniwa said. ‘Someone who just finished a big tournament like AFCON, the best tournament on the African continent. He had a brilliant outing, a super-regular, and coming back to find himself on the bench is not a good one.’
