“It was important” – Fulham head coach explains Bassey’s exclusion from FA Cup win over Watford

Soccer

Fulham head coach, Marco Silva, has revealed why he opted not to field Super Eagles defender, Calvin Bassey, in his side’s 4-1 win over Watford in the FA Cup, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 25-year-old has played all but one of Fulham’s 20 English Premier League games this season. He missed his side’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool due to an accumulation of yellow cards.

Bassey’s Nigerian counterpart, Alex Iwobi, has played every game for the Cottagers this season, and Marco Silva emphasized the need for both Nigerians to rest.

While Bassey didn’t feature in Fulham’s win over Watford, Iwobi was withdrawn shortly after the hour mark, and the Portuguese gaffer explained why.

“It was important to rest Robinson. Bassey and Iwobi have been playing a lot of minutes too. He has to rest his body, and mind, but he is ready for tomorrow,” the former Watford manager said in quotes revealed by Jack Kelly.

EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Javier Garcia/Shutterstock (14277911dz)
Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi of Fulham celebrate at full time
Fulham v Arsenal, Premier League, Football, Craven Cottage, London, UK – 31 Dec 2023

Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!

Despite news surrounding Fulham’s need to reinforce their attack for the second half of the Premier League season, Marco Silva revealed his side will most likely not be involved in the transfer market this month.

“It’s going to be really quiet for us, it’s going to be really difficult. That is normal in January. For us to improve the squad we have to spend money but we have confidence in our players. If we can add quality, we are going to do it,” the 47-year-old concluded.

Fulham travel to the London Stadium tomorrow to take on West Ham United, who recently fired Julen Lopetuigi to appoint Chelsea’s ex-coach, Graham Potter.

Soccer Adefolahan Guerreiro


Adefolahan Guerreiro

Adefolahan is a multilingual journalist and writer at Soccernet Nigeria.

With a track record of involvement in College sports, Adefolahan is focused on crafting engaging football content and utilising his language skills and extensive sports knowledge to enhance content accessibility for a global audience.

He has interviewed Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.

Read MoreAdefolahan Guerreiro

Latest

Tencent Music Posts 7.3% Q1 2026 Revenue Jump, Points to Triple-Digit Live Growth and Continued Superfan Expansion

A live performance from Jay Chou, whose Children of the Sun is said to have generated about $14.7 million on Tencent Music during Q1 2026. Photo Credit: GEM_Ady Amid a continued SVIP expansion and a triple-digit revenue boost on the concerts side, Tencent Music Entertainment (TME) has reported nearly $1.2 billion in Q1 2026 revenue.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Tencent Music Posts 7.3% Q1 2026 Revenue Jump, Points to Triple-Digit Live Growth and Continued Superfan Expansion

A live performance from Jay Chou, whose Children of the Sun is said to have generated about $14.7 million on Tencent Music during Q1 2026. Photo Credit: GEM_Ady Amid a continued SVIP expansion and a triple-digit revenue boost on the concerts side, Tencent Music Entertainment (TME) has reported nearly $1.2 billion in Q1 2026 revenue.

BLXCKIE Previews New Song “Uphi Usomnyama”

MusicBLXCKIE Previews New Song “Uphi Usomnyama.” The SA...

WD sees sustainability as key business driver in an ‘AI economy’

Hard drive company WD promoted long-term operations and sustainability executive Jackie Jung to become its first chief sustainability officer in February, as it steps up sales to companies building AI data centers. Her vision: Turn sustainability into a “brand” for WD, a strategy that reduces risk for the $6 billion company (formerly known as Western

5 Business Ideas Worth Starting in 2026

If there is one thing Nigerians understand well, it is how to spot opportunity inside hardship. In 2026, that mindset will matter more than ever. The economy is tough, competition is rising, and many people are looking for smarter ways to earn, build, and survive. But even in a difficult environment, some businesses still stand

Getting a business loan now comes with a frequent flyer upside

Australian fintech Prospa has partnered with Qantas Business Rewards, letting eligible SMEs earn up to 500,000 points per loan. What’s happening: Australian fintech lender Prospa has partnered with Qantas Business Rewards to allow eligible small and medium business owners to earn up to 500,000 Qantas Points per loan when taking out a Prospa Small Business