Soccer
Calvin Bassey, Marco Silva, Samuel Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi, all Super Eagles and Fulham stars. [Photo Credit/ Imago]
Samuel Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi have reacted to Calvin Bassey’s mazy run in Fulham’s 3-2 over Burnley at Turf Moor yesterday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Bassey got on the scoresheet in the 31st minute, rising highest to head home Harry Wilson’s cross to score Fulham’s second on the night.
The Cottagers went on to secure a 3-2 win, a perfect send-off for the Super Eagles trio who are headed for the AFCON tournament.
Additionally, it marked a huge piece of history for Fulham as they secured their first win against Burnley at Turf Moor in 74 years across a run of 34 games.
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However, that didn’t capture the total details of what happened at Turf Moor. Bassey could’ve gotten another goal or set up Chukwueze for his third goal in Fulham’s colours.
In the 55th minute, the former Rangers defender went on a mazy run down the right flank, outmuscling Burnley full-back Quilindschy Hartman, before sending Maxime Estève to space with a brilliant cut-back onto his left foot.
The finish, however, was lacking. Bassey sent his shot into the stands, before lying down exhausted, and with a knowing cheeky smile, realising he could’ve been on the end of a brilliant solo run. Watch the video here.
Soccer Iwobi, Chukwueze’s reactions to Bassey’s miss
After the clash at Turf Moor, the Fulham trio were in high spirits, as they’ll be heading to the AFCON tournament together.
On the team’s coach, Iwobi and Chukwueze took turns to recall what they thought of Bassey’s chance.
“I was thinking maybe he’s gonna dink it to the back post, but no! He did the chop. My man is still sliding,” Iwobi said, replying to Bassey’s cut-back.
“When he took the extra touch, I thought ‘Blood of Jesus!’, where is this ball going? That ball has gone to AFCON before we arrived. Then I looked at the clip, and Chukwueze was free.
Iwobi, Chukwueze and the Fulham boys react to Bassey’s crazy run pic.twitter.com/ziAzYLYDO8
— Cleverly (@Cleverlydey4u) December 14, 2025
Chukwueze then responded, likening Bassey’s run to the popular Leo Messi goal that had the commentator screaming ‘Enkara Messi’.
“Enkara Messi, but after Enkara Messi, you chose to shoot the ball like an Amateur player,” the AC Milan loanee jokingly remarked.
The camaraderie between the trio will be helpful on the pitch for Eric Chelle’s side during the AFCON 2025 tournament.
They’ll be hoping to feature in Nigeria’s friendly match against Egypt on Tuesday at the Cairo International Stadium.
Adefolahan Guerreiro
Adefolahan is a multilingual sports journalist and football writer whose work spans outlets like Soccernet Nigeria, Pure Football UK, and Royalsportz.
With a sharp eye for detail and a background in college sports, he tells the African football story with depth, flair, and global perspective.
Fluent in English, Spanish, and German, he brings a cross-cultural voice to his coverage, blending insight with accessibility for readers around the world.
His portfolio includes interviews with top Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, Sikiru Alimi, Sodiq Ismaila, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.
A devoted Borussia Dortmund fan, Adefolahan thrives on the emotion and rhythm of the beautiful game. Away from work, he’s a sci-fi enthusiast and series lover who enjoys exploring how sport, storytelling, and culture collide.
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