Super Eagles star suffers injury, deals fresh blow to Jose Peseiro’s plans ahead of Portugal friendly

The Nigeria international defender has been included in the 23-man squad to face the former European champions on Thursday

Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey is a serious doubt for Nigeria’s international friendly match against Portugal on November 17.

Bassey was included in Jose Peseiro’s 23-man squad for the game scheduled for the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon.

But the Nigeria international went down injured in the 40th minute of Ajax Amsterdam’s league clash with FC Emmen on Saturday.

The defender was taken off the pitch, where he received medical attention, and he returned to action a couple of minutes later.

Bassey, however, could not shake off the knock, and he was replaced at halftime by Ghanaian forward Mohammed Kudus.

Ajax, at press time, are yet to comment on Bassey’s injury. Still, Jose Peseiro would be hoping the former Rangers star would be available for Nigeria ahead of the Portugal friendly.

The Super Eagles head coach is already without two natural left fullbacks, with Jamilu Collins and Zaidu Sanusi currently injured.

Peseiro’s full-back worries have been compounded by the absence of Torino right-back Ola Aina, also due to injury.

Jose Peseiro has extended the first invitation to Boavista’s left-footed defender Bruno Onyemaechi as he searches for solutions to the full-back concerns.

Meanwhile, exciting Nigerian forward Silas Nwankwo has been ruled out of action for at least nine months after he sustained a cruciate ligament injury.