Fulham coach Álvaro Arbeloa faced the media on Friday ahead of his side’s Premier League clash with Ipswich Town, with the return of Nigeria duo Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey from international duty among the topics discussed during his pre-match press conference.
The two Super Eagles stars, who are regular starters in Arbeloa’s preferred lineup, are available for selection against the Tractor Boys after taking part in full training ahead of the trip to Portman Road.
Iwobi and Bassey played the full 90 minutes in Nigeria’s back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The Super Eagles suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau, leaving the three-time African champions three points behind the Djurtus after two rounds of Afcon qualifying.
Asked whether his Nigeria players could put the disappointing international result behind them upon returning to Motspur Park, Arbeloa urged Iwobi and Bassey to focus on the game against Ipswich Town.
The Spanish tactician told reporters: “I think especially we need to be ready to be focused on the game, because when you are away for two weeks and you are back, you need to make the effort and be focused again.
“Of course, we have been working over the last few days for the Ipswich game, and how we want to play, how we want to defend and attack. This is the most important thing.
“For the international players, they have a good break, but now we are back and we need to be a team again.”
Iwobi and Bassey have both started all five of Fulham’s Premier League matches so far this season.
