Nigerian stars, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze played key roles as Fulham defeated Aston Villa 1-0 in a tense Premier League clash at Craven Cottage earlier today, April 25.

The decisive moment arrived just before the halftime break when Ryan Sessegnon scored after a rebound fell kindly to him. The winger reacted fastest after a header from Raul Jimenez was pushed into his path, giving the hosts a priceless lead.

It was another full-blooded display at the heart of defence for Bassey. The Nigerian centre-back stayed on for the entire match, marshalling Fulham’s back line with composure and authority.

The Nigerian has now made 25 league appearances this season, scoring once and cementing his place as a trusted figure in Premier League football.

Chukwueze also started and delivered a lively shift before making way for Oscar Bobb late on. His season tally now stands at three goals and four assists in 19 league outings.

The victory briefly lifts Fulham into the thick of the race for European qualification. The result leaves them level with the final European spot in the early weekend standings and just two points behind sixth-placed Brighton.

They could finish the weekend as high as in the 10th spot if Everton loses to West Ham United later today.

During their clash with 5th-placed Aston Villa, Fulham nearly doubled their advantage when Timothy Castagne headed home, only for the effort to be ruled out after a foul on goalkeeper Emi Martinez.

Villa, watched by England boss Thomas Tuchel, struggled to find rhythm. Chances fell to Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers, but neither could convert as Unai Emery’s side looked short of sharpness ahead of their Europa League semi-final first leg against Nottingham Forest.