Calvin Bassey: Nigeria defender facing injury concern for Portugal clash 

By Olu Dare

Calvin Bassey might not be available for Nigeria’s friendly match with Portugal next week after sustaining an injury on Saturday.

The former Rangers defender went down in the 41st minute of Ajax’s 3-3 draw with FC Emmen after landing awkwardly.

He got up and continued for a while but he was back on the floor a few minutes later and received treatment on the pitch before he limped on to finish the first half.

Bassey was among the defenders called up for the November 17 friendly match against Portugal in Lisbon by Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro on Friday, but might not be available if he does not recover in time.

The defender has been a key figure in coach Alfred Schreuder’s Ajax, with the coach selecting him in 18 straight matches, despite criticism from club legends over his performances and ball-playing abilities.

Saturday’s draw extended Ajax’s winless run to three matches in a week following defeat to PSV Eindhoven last weekend before Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Vitesse Arnhem.

The Eredivisie champions’ confidence has waned in recent matches, managing just one win in a five-game period where they have lost twice and drawn as many with their last clean sheet coming on September 10.

Bassey will be hoping that the injury is not so bad to allow him to turn out for Nigeria on Thursday.