Calvin Bassey gets Man of the match award in Ajax win over NEC Nijmegen

Caretaker March 6, 2023

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AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - MARCH 05: Calvin Bassey of AFC Ajax controls the ball during the Dutch Eredivisie match between AFC Ajax and NEC Nijmegen at Johan Cruijff Arena on March 5, 2023 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Nesimages/Michael Bulder/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey was named man of the match after helping Ajax Amsterdam to a 1-0 win over NEC Nijmegen on Sunday.

Ajax manager Heitinga handed Bassey a rare start for the Dutch Eredivise clash. The Nigerian has not been a key feature at the club since Heitinga replaced Alfred Schreuder following a poor start to the campaign.

Bassey did repair the faith with a stellar performance in defence to keep a clean sheet. At the other end, Ghanian forward Kudus Mohammed produced the match winning goal.

A drab opening 45-minutes at the Johan Cruyff Arena left Ajax Amsterdam charging in search of the break through before Kudus struck.

NEC Nijmegen defenders failed to deal with a cross into their penalty area, leaving the in-form Kudus with opportunity to head Ajax ahead in the 53rd minute.

Ajax came under severe pressure from the visitors but Bassey and his teammates did just enough to see out the 1-0 win and keep up their chase of top of the table Feyenord.

**Calvin Bassey with his man of the match award plaque vs NEC Nijmegen**

At the end of the game, Bassey was named Man of the match. The Super Eagle will hope this marks a turnaround for him at Ajax where he has endured criticism following a difficult start to life at the club.