AFCON 2025
Calvin Bassey has revealed the reason he opted to play for the Super Eagles of Nigeria despite being eligible to represent England and Italy at international level.
The Fulham defender was born in Italy to Nigerian parents and moved to England as a child where he developed a passion for the game.
The 25-year-old decided to represent Nigeria in 2021, shunning interests from the two European countries.
Bassey said he made up his mind to play for the three-time African champions after watching the team in action against Lionel Messi’s Argentina at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
“I think it was just seeing the greatest player to ever play, playing against my team. [Nigeria] lost 2-1,” Bassey told NBC Sports.
“One of my teammates that I played with, Kenneth Omeruo, played that game. Just watching that game, I wanted to be in that position.
“I know how big of a nation Nigeria is and how much pride comes with playing for them. I just worked hard. When I got the opportunity, I didn’t take time [to decide] — I just knew that I wanted to play for Nigeria.”
Bassey has made 29 appearances for the Super Eagles of Nigeria and was part of the squad that finished second at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
