Bassey To Miss Portugal Friendly, As Pundits Absolve Nigerian From Ajax Poor Showing

Bassey To Miss Portugal Friendly, As Pundits Absolve Nigerian From Ajax Poor Showing

Alfred Kadiri

Calvin Bassey might not be available for Nigeria’s international friendly match with Portugal next week in Lisbon after sustaining an injury on Saturday while in action for Ajax, BSNSports.com.ng.

The defender who landed awkwardly after the contest for the ball had to be replaced by Blind Daley as the Eredivisie champions failed to beat FC Emmen as the game ended 3-3 at De Oude Meerdijk.

Bassey 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.

Meanwhile, Daley who replaced the Nigerian in the second half has been blasted for his poor showing in the game.

"You think it couldn't get any worse, but the second half was just embarrassing," Marciano Vink told ESPN. Calvin Bassey was injured and Daley Blind replaced him, but that didn't benefit Ajax's game, the analyst said.

“I thought there would be some more football with Daley Blind, but that was not the case. Emmen just deserved it. They played a good second half.”

Arnold Bruggink adds: “Calvin Bassey is often the one who is blamed for the whole story, but Daley Blind. He played in the centre after the break. The opportunities that Ajax gave away after the break, Emmen came through one after the other. Jurriën Timber and Blind, what good players, are both looking a bit with zero communication, and zero orientation. Look at it!", he says when seeing the images of Richairo Zivkovic's 2-3.