Super Eagles’ defender stars for Ajax in nine-goal thriller

The big European leagues have not resumed yet, but most teams have started to prepare for the resumption 

Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey registered an assist for Ajax in their 5-4 friendly against Volendam.

After suffering a 2-0 loss to Blackburn in their first game, Ajax took on Volendam in their second preseason fixture, and they were looking to bounce back.

Coach Alfred Schreuder named a strong lineup for the game, with Super Eagles star Calvin Bassey at left-back.

However, the reigning Dutch champions were shocked very early, as Gaetano Oristanio put Volendam in front in the 7th minute.

Volendam held on to the lead till halftime. They came out guns blazing in the second half, and they scored two quick-fire goals in the first three minutes of the second half courtesy of Joey Antonioli and Brian Plat.

However, Ajax fought back, with Jorrel Hato and Francisco Conceicao scoring two goals in two minutes. Brian Brobbey then equalized in the 65th minute, making it 3-3.

The Godenzonen showed their quality and pulled away from Volendam. Bassey had a huge role, as he supplied the assist for Conceicao’s goal that made it 4-3 for Ajax in the 69th minute.

Antonioli equalized for Volendam, but Brobbey scored at the death to ensure that Ajax ran out with a 5-4 victory.

 

Elsewhere in Turkey, Victor Osimhen returned to action for Napoli in a 3-2 win against Antalyaspor.

Napoli is camped in Turkey for their mid-season games, and they played their first friendly against Antalyaspor. Luciano Spalletti named Osimhen in his lineup, but the Super Eagles striker could not find the net before he was hauled off at halftime.

Goals from Giacomo Raspadori and Matteo Politano put Napoli in a good position, but Admir Mehmedi and Hakan Ozmert scored for Antalyaspor to ensure the game ended 3-2.