Portugal friendly: Bassey available for selection amid injury scare

Ajax defender Calvin Bassey is likely to be in action when Nigeria trade tackles with Portugal in a pre-World Cup friendly on Thursday, November 17.

There were concerns surrounding the fitness of the 22-year-old after he suffered a knock in Ajax's last game before the World Cup break last weekend.

The former Glasgow Rangers defender was taken off at halftime in Ajax's 3-3 draw against FC Emmen.

Despite the uncertainties about his fitness, Bassey seems to have recovered in time for Thursday's showdown against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portuguese side.

Bassey was one of the Super Eagles players who arrived early in Lisbon on Monday night for the high-profile friendly.

The game comes at the right time for Bassey who has endured a barrage of criticism for his performance with the Eredivisie champions since joining the club in the summer transfer window.

Coach Peseiro's side will be looking forward to their first friendly win when they come up against the former European champions at Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon.

WDN