Bassey thankful for Eagles chance

FILE COPY: Calvin Bassey

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Fulham defender Calvin Bassey has reflected on the opportunity to represent Nigeria, describing it as a moment of gratitude after overcoming early career setbacks, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Bassey has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most consistent defenders, marshalling the backline as the Super Eagles pursue a fourth continental title at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The 25-year-old began his career at Leicester City at the age of 15 following a successful trial and progressed through the club’s youth system, featuring regularly for their U-18 and U-23 sides. However, he did not make a first-team breakthrough until his move to Rangers in 2020.

Bassey was handed his Super Eagles debut by then-coach Austin Eguavoen in March 2022 during Nigeria’s Qatar 2022 World Cup play-off against Ghana. He came on as a late substitute in the first leg in Kumasi on March 25, 2022, before starting the return leg which ended in a 1–1 draw on March 29 in Abuja.

Since then, the former Ajax and Rangers defender has earned 38 caps for Nigeria and featured at two AFCON tournaments.

“Moments like this, I just appreciate God. Ten to eleven years ago I had no club, and now I am playing for my national team. For me, it’s crazy—playing at AFCON,” Bassey said while appearing on Alex Iwobi’s matchday vlog during Nigeria’s win over Tanzania.

Before committing to Nigeria, Bassey was eligible to represent Italy and England. He received his first call-up to the Super Eagles in 2021 for World Cup qualifiers against the Central African Republic but remained an unused substitute.

Ahead of his international debut in 2022, Bassey pledged to bring intensity and resilience to the national team.

“I will bring energy and physicality to the Eagles’ defence and also a bit of doggedness to African football,” he said.

“I know it will be physical, but that plays to my strengths. Growing up and watching the Super Eagles, Jay-Jay Okocha was my role model.

“He was so confident on the ball, and that’s something I love to emulate. He wasn’t afraid to take on players and express himself—he was a joy to watch.”

Abiodun, who reports Sports for PUNCH, covers different tiers of the Nigerian football league, the national teams, as well as cricket, in the last six years

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