Nigerian stars are set to return to Premier League action this weekend after the international break, with Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina and Semi Ajayi leading the list.
Iwobi and Calvin Bassey are expected to feature for Fulham in their trip to Ipswich Town on Saturday, while Aina’s Nottingham Forest face Crystal Palace away on Sunday. Ajayi is also in line to start as Hull City host Everton.
Fulham coach Álvaro Arbeloa confirmed on Friday that Iwobi and Bassey are available for selection after returning to full training at Motspur Park. Both players featured for 90 minutes in Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau during the break.
For Fulham, the fixture is crucial. Iwobi has started all five league matches this season with 411 minutes played, while Bassey has also started every game, completing 450 minutes with 352 passes at 90 per cent accuracy. The Cottagers sit 19th with just two points from five games.
Aina, who started Forest’s first four league games for 306 minutes before missing the last outing, will be looking to help Forest build consistency. Forest have five points from five matches and sit 13th.
Ajayi has been a regular for Hull since their return to the Premier League, starting all five league games and playing 423 minutes.
Other Nigerians expected to be in action include Taiwo Awoniyi and Frank Onyeka, Brighton’s Femi Azeez and Zadok Yohanna, as well as Brentford defender Benjamin Fredrick.
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