Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey’s powerful header helped Fulham complete an impressive Premier League double over third-placed Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Soccernet.football reports.
Bassey’s Fulham welcomed their high-flying visitors, who were coming into Saturday’s game off the back of a 7-0 demolition job against Brighton and Hove Albion in their last Premier League outing. Surprisingly, it was the home side that played the game with a bouncier spring in their step.
Fulham took a much deserved lead thanks to Emile Smith Rowe’s expertly timed header, set up by the energetic Adama Traore. However, Chris Wood’s 18th league goal of the season drew Nottingham Forest level in West London.
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With the game tied at 1-1 after over an hour of football played, Bassey proved to be the Cottagers’ hero with his first goal of the current campaign. The 25-year-old Nigerian reacted quickest after Raul Jimenez’s intelligent flick at the near post to power his header beyond Matt Sels.
Saturday’s victory at Craven Cottage was Fulham’s second consecutive Premier League win over the mightily impressive Tricky Trees this campaign, having been responsible for handing Nuno Espirito Santo’s charges their first defeat of the 2024/2025 season back in September.
With his winner, Bassey now joins the likes of Gabriel Osho and Semi Ajayi in the party of Nigerian defenders with two Premier League goals to their names. The only other Nigerian defenders with more impressive tallies include Ola Aina and Celestine Babayaro with five goals each for Forest and Chelsea respectively. While former Super Eagles skipper Joseph Yobo notched eight goals in Everton colours.
Bassey’s header moved Fulham up to 8th position on the league standings, capitalizing on Aston Villa’s slip up against relegation-threatened Ipswich Town. Meanwhile, Forest held on to third place despite their defeat but fourth-placed Manchester City narrowed the gap between them to four points after putting four past Newcastle United at the Etihad.
