Super Eagles defender, Calvin Bassey is expected back in action on April 11 after a minor back issue forced him to pull out of Nigeria’s March friendlies.

The Fulham defender had been included in coach Eric Chelle’s 23-man squad but withdrew last week, paving the way for a late call-up for Chibuike Nwaiwu of Trabzonspor.

The decision raised eyebrows after the 26-year-old completed the full match in Fulham’s 3-1 win over Burnley just before the international break. The projected return date points to a precaution rather than a serious setback.

Fulham have no league fixture immediately after the break following their FA Cup exit, leaving a likely comeback in a high-profile trip to Liverpool at Anfield.

The timing matters for Fulham’s European ambitions. West London side sit ninth in the Premier League, five points behind fifth place with seven games left.

Bassey remains central to their push. He has played 23 of the club’s 31 league matches this season, missing only the fixtures that clashed with the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Nigerian also won Fulham’s Player of the Year award last term and has maintained that standard throughout the current campaign.

In his absence in the Super Eagles in the ongoing international break, the national team has recorded a 2-1 win over Iran and will face Jordan at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31.