Nigeria vs Mali: Bassey and Onyeka Leave Super Eagles Camp Ahead of Friendly

• Calvin Bassey and Frank Onyeka have left Nigeria’s camp early
• The Super Eagles duo pulled out after suffering niggling injuries
• Bassey and Onyeka have now flown back to their base in England

Nigeria has been dealt a major blow before their international friendly against Mali on Tuesday, March 26, at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, after two players withdrew from the squad.

Calvin Bassey and Frank Onyeka have left the Super Eagles camp ahead of the game against Mali after it was reported that both players are battling with injuries.

According to the Daily Post, the duo has returned to their home base in the United Kingdom, where they will continue to rehabilitate as the Premier League season comes to a close.

Onyeka played in the Super Eagles 2-1 friendly victory against rivals Ghana on Friday, but Bassey missed the entire game due to the injury and will risk no further part participating in the team’s camping.

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With the exit of Bassey and Onyeka, interim Super Eagles coach Finidi George still has 22 players left in the team’s camp to execute the friendly game against Mali.

Nigerians want Finidi as coach

Meanwhile, Some Nigerians have called for Finidi to be appointed as the Super Eagles permanent manager after a convincing 2-1 win over Ghana in an international friendly on Friday, Vanguard reports.

It was Finidi’s first match in charge of the national team as interim manager after the exit of Jose Peseiro after the Portuguese left the post when his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation expired.

Nigeria’s style of play against the Black Stars was the catch for many Nigerians who admired the smooth playing style of the Super Eagles under the current Enyimba manager.

Bassey to miss Mali friendly

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that an injury has ruled Fulham defender Bassey out of Nigeria's forthcoming friendly against Mali on Tuesday.

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Benjamin Tanimu, Chidozie Awaziem, and Semi Ajayi formed an impressive three-man backline for Nigeria in the impressive 2-1 victory against Ghana on Friday with the 23-year-old on the bench.

Bassey has a condition that requires further inspection and treatment at the club. The specific nature and severity of the problem remain unknown.