Nigerian Striker Fortune Bassey Returns to Israel with Maccabi Jaffa

Nigerian forward Fortune Bassey, who played for Hapoel Petah Tikva during the 2023/24 season, has agreed to terms with Liga Leumit club Maccabi Jaffa. The 27-year-old Bassey was released this summer from Ferencváros, his parent club, and will join Jaffa as a free agent. His stated goal is to help the team avoid relegation.

Bassey began his career in the Czech Republic with Bohemians, discovered through their talent scouting program in Nigeria. He moved to Ferencváros in 2022 from Česke Budějovice for €1.5 million, but struggled to establish himself in Hungary and was loaned out multiple times.

During his stint with Hapoel Petah Tikva last season, Bassey scored six goals in 34 appearances across all competitions, though he could not prevent the team from being relegated. He now joins Maccabi Jaffa, who secured their first win of the season earlier on Tuesday, defeating Hapoel Afula 1-0 away. With Bassey's addition, Jaffa hopes to further distance themselves from the bottom of the league table.