Oliseh Praises Fulham Star Before Super Eagles’ Crucial Morocco Clash

Casey Halston

ago 1 hour

Oliseh Praises Fulham Star Before Super Eagles’ Crucial Morocco Clash

Sunday Oliseh, a former midfielder for the Super Eagles and Borussia Dortmund, praised Fulham stars Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi ahead of Nigeria’s crucial AFCON 2025 semi-final against Morocco. The match is on the horizon, and their contributions have been significant during Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the tournament.

Calvin Bassey’s Impact

Oliseh specifically highlighted Bassey’s performance as a centre-back, noting his pivotal role in the team’s defense. The 26-year-old has participated in every AFCON match, helping the Super Eagles keep two clean sheets so far. His solid play has minimized the need for goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to make crucial saves.

In his remarks, Oliseh encouraged Bassey to maintain his form. He stated, “A player no one is talking about that has impressed me so much is Calvin Bassey. My God! This boy has totally grown. He’s a rock, confident.” His partnership with Ajayi in the defense has been particularly effective, demonstrating the necessity of strong defensive and midfield performances in tournament play.

Acknowledging Alex Iwobi

Oliseh also commended Iwobi for his ability to control the game effectively, describing his play as orchestrated and enjoyable to watch. The synergy among the players has been pivotal for Nigeria, with Oliseh emphasizing, “Good strikers are good, but nothing makes you win tournaments like your defence and your midfielders.”

AFCON 2025 Highlights

Looking ahead to the semi-final match, which will occur at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, Oliseh expressed optimism about Nigeria’s potential against Morocco. He stressed the importance of the entire squad, stating, “Nigeria is not Victor Osimhen; Nigeria is eleven players.” He encouraged focus beyond individual talents, emphasizing teamwork and collective effort.

Morocco’s Infrastructure and AFCON Experience

Oliseh praised the infrastructure of Morocco, noting that it has elevated the quality of the tournament. He remarked on the impressive state of the playing fields, comparing them to those seen in World Cup venues. “This is the best AFCON in the last 20 years. The quality of the football has been high,” he stated.

He believes that African football has vastly matured, pointing out the management by local talent and the engaging atmosphere that includes music and celebration. “African football is the future of football,” he concluded.