Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has spoken out about his journey to playing for Nigeria, revealing the motivation behind his decision and the significant role his family has played in his success.
Born in Italy and raised in London, Bassey had the unique opportunity to represent three different countries at the international level. Despite this, he made the conscious choice to commit his future to Nigeria.
This commitment became official when Bassey accepted a call-up to join the Super Eagles in 2021. He went on to make his debut for Nigeria in a pivotal World Cup qualifier match against Ghana on March 25, 2022, which ended in a 0-0 draw.
In an exclusive interview with NBC sports, Bassey explained the reason behind his decision to play for the Super Eagles: “I think it was just seeing the greatest player to ever play, playing against my team. [Nigeria] lost 2-1. I think 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.”
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Bassey also spoke on his strong sense of connection to his Nigerian heritage, as well as that of his other Nigerian teammates born in England: “I think it’s good. With us going back to our family roots, I think a lot more players have done it as well. I feel like because most of us were first-generation, we really feel connected to our Nigerian roots. We know how big of a country it is and how big they are in football, with some of the Nigerian stars that came through — Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, John Obi Mikel, there are so many stars!”
“For us, we looked up to these guys, and we wanted to be part of it. It’s a nice feeling. Hopefully, we inspire more boys who are born in England to at least consider playing back home,” he added.
For Bassey, playing for the Super Eagles is not just about personal achievements, but also about making his family proud, especially his mum who is his biggest supporter: “It’s massive. When I was younger, my mom didn’t really watch football unless it was the World Cup. That’s the only thing she was engaged in because Nigeria was involved. So seeing that, I just know when I’m on that pitch playing for Nigeria, she’s supporting like crazy.”
“I remember when she came to the African Cup of Nations, obviously, I couldn’t see her, but my friend was there along with my mom and my agent, and they sent me videos. My mom’s passion is just crazy. She’s just screaming! She thinks I can hear her, and I’m like “I can’t hear it Mom, there’s like 60,000 people in the stadium!”
“But it’s nice, and that just fuels me to want to do more. I know all my family in Nigeria is watching as well. It’s a different type of feeling — you can’t really put into words,” Bassey reveals.
The Super Eagles defender expressed his delight with being part of a talented group of Nigerians who have made their name in the Premier League: “The talent that’s come from Nigeria is unbelievable! I believe our team is very [strong], but to be part of the group of Nigerian players who’ve played in the Premier League, it’s a blessing. There are things you’ve dreamt about as a kid, and to be here… sometimes it’s surreal when I see a kid with my shirt on, with my name on the back of it. It still feels like, “Wow, that’s actually me.” It’s crazy, but it’s nice.”
As Bassey continues to make waves in the football world, he remains committed to his Nigerian roots and is proud to represent his country on the international stage. His story serves as an inspiration to young aspiring footballers, and his advice is simple yet profound, “Trust yourself, have belief, and work hard.”
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