Ajax Defender Calvin Bassey is a major doubt for Nigeria’s international friendly against star-studded Portugal after picking up an injury on Saturday. PUNCH Sports supplement the reports
The Super Eagles are set to face the Euro 2016 champions at the José Alvalade Stadium on Thursday in a race to get the defender fit for the clash.
Bassey went down in the 41st minute of Ajax Amsterdam’s 3-3 draw with FC Emmen after landing awkwardly.
The 22-year-old managed to carry on for a while but returned to the ground minutes later and received treatment on the pitch before limping off for the first half.
However, he was replaced by Mohammed Kudus at half-time before the start of the second half.
Although the extent of the injury is not yet known, his possible absence would be a huge blow for the Eagles, who will face Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal, who have plenty of attacking threats.
Bassey was on Friday among the defenders called up by Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro for the November 17 friendly in Lisbon.
Despite criticism from fans and club legends for his performance and ball-playing abilities, the defender has been a key figure for manager Alfred Schreuder’s Ajax side, with the manager selecting him in 18 consecutive games.
Before his unfortunate injury on Saturday, the Nigeria international put in an impressive performance as the Jews led 3-1 before being substituted. Ajax would go on to score twice after the Nigerian was sent off, as they erased their two-goal deficit.
The draw at the Arena De Oude Meerdijk extended Ajax’s run to three games in a week against PSV Eindhoven before they drew 2-2 with Vitesse Arnhem on Wednesday.
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