Nigerian international Calvin Bassey recently shared a key moment that sparked his commitment to represent Nigeria’s Super Eagles over England’s Three Lions.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Bassey recounted Nigeria’s unforgettable match against Argentina in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, a game that featured a stunning goal by Lionel Messi. Reflecting on the match, Bassey recalled, “When Nigeria played Argentina, they lost 2-1, but it was a good game. Messi scored that outrageous goal. It was top-notch.”
Bassey explained how that performance fueled his passion to play for Nigeria and represent the team on a global stage. Although Bassey was born in Italy, grew up in Newham, and had options to represent multiple countries, he felt an undeniable pull toward Nigeria. His choice was cemented in 2021 when he accepted a call-up for Nigeria’s 2022 World Cup qualifiers, making his debut in a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Ghana.
Looking back on Nigeria’s intense clash with Argentina, Bassey emphasized that it wasn’t just the game but the team’s resilience and unity that deeply moved him. Nigeria needed a draw to advance, and even though the match ended in a narrow defeat, the players’ tenacity inspired Bassey’s dedication to wear the green and white jersey.
Since his debut in 2022, Bassey has become an essential figure in the Super Eagles’ lineup. His efforts contributed to Nigeria’s successful run to the AFCON final, where they earned a silver medal.
