Nigerian Defender Humbled by City Star’s Power in 5-4 Epic.

Calvin Bassey

Fulham defender Calvin Bassey has candidly admitted Erling Haaland is “too strong” after going toe-to-toe with the Manchester City striker in Tuesday’s chaotic 5-4 thriller at Craven Cottage, Sportblits.com reports.

The 25-year-old Nigerian clashed repeatedly with the Norwegian goal machine, who scored his 100th Premier League goal—reaching the milestone in a record-breaking 111 games, 13 fewer than Alan Shearer.

Haaland ended a three-game scoring drought with a 17th-minute opener, latching onto Jeremy Doku’s cross to fire past Bernd Leno.

Fan Praise, Honest Response

In a post-match Snapchat interaction, a fan told Bassey:

“Bro, you just showed me Haaland isn’t that strong.”

The defender didn’t hesitate:

“Omo, that guy is too strong, I swear.”

Nigerian Fire in Fulham Comeback

Despite City storming to a 5-1 lead, Fulham roared back—led by their Super Eagles trio. Samuel Chukwueze bagged a brace in six minutes, while Alex Iwobi curled in a stunning 20-yard strike to make it 5-4.

The late surge had City on the ropes, but Pep Guardiola’s side clung on for a vital win, closing to within two points of Arsenal.

For Bassey, the night was a brutal education against one of football’s most unstoppable forces—a battle won by Haaland, but one that highlighted the heart and fight in Fulham’s ranks.