Fulham manager Marco Silva expressed his support for Nigerian duo Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey ahead of Sunday’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final.

Iwobi and Bassey have played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s journey to the final of the competition. Iwobi, operating in midfield, has featured in all six of Nigeria’s games, while Bassey has made five appearances.

The Super Eagles are set to face hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the final at the Alassanne Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan, this Sunday.

Silva acknowledged the absence of the two players from Fulham’s squad but emphasized his backing for their efforts to secure the AFCON title.

“Of course, we’ve been following their progress. It’s a bittersweet feeling for us. We’ve been without two key players for a while now. Nevertheless, we’re fully behind them as they aim for victory in the final,” Silva stated during a press conference leading up to Fulham’s match against Bournemouth.