Super Eagles duo Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi are expected to be included in the matchday squad for the upcoming English Premier League match against Aston Villa at Craven Cottage this Saturday.

Both players rejoined the squad after representing Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations held in Cote d’Ivoire, where Nigeria finished as runners-up to the hosts. The duo featured in all seven games of the competition with Bassey playing every minute.

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Observing them in full training indicates their likely inclusion in Fulham’s matchday squad against Villa, though it remains uncertain if they will start the game. Nonetheless, manager Marco Silva will be relieved to have both players back without any injuries.

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Bassey, a crucial figure for Fulham since his summer move from Ajax Amsterdam, has been a regular starter at center-back for the London club. Before his AFCON stint, he featured in 11 out of 12 games for Fulham, only missing one match due to illness.

Iwobi has also been a key player for Marco Silva this season. Before leaving for the AFCON, the 27-year-old has featured in 18 (14 starts) out of 20 games for the Cottagers. He missed two games due to a hamstring injury.