Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has reflected on a pivotal moment in his life when he came close to abandoning his football dreams, sharing his story as Nigeria began their AFCON 2025 campaign with a win over Tanzania.
Now a key figure for both Fulham and the Nigerian national team, the 25-year-old played a crucial role in Nigeria’s Group C opener at the Complexe Sportif de Fès. His powerful forward run helped initiate the opening goal, while Ademola Lookman later added a second, with both goals created by Alex Iwobi.
Ahead of kickoff, Bassey and Iwobi spoke about their personal journeys and the significance of competing on the continent’s biggest football stage.
Born in Italy to Nigerian parents, Bassey relocated to England at a young age and was raised in Newham, East London. Though deeply connected to Nigeria through his family—his father hails from Umunnamehi Ihiala in Anambra State, and his mother from Oron in Akwa Ibom State—his path into professional football was far from smooth.
He attended Rokeby School in London and honed his skills at CrownPro Elite Football Academy and later CM Futsal Academy. Despite his dedication, opportunities were scarce, and by his mid-teens, frustration had begun to set in.
Bassey revealed that at just 15 years old, he gave himself a deadline to secure a professional contract or walk away from the sport entirely.
He explained that he was prepared to stop pursuing football as a career and only play casually if nothing materialised, admitting that the uncertainty was mentally exhausting at the time.
That defining moment eventually led to a breakthrough when he earned a place at Leicester City’s academy, a development he described as life-changing and one that forced him to give everything he had to the game.
Looking back, Bassey said the pressure of that moment pushed him to mature quickly and approach football with renewed determination, knowing he had given himself no excuses.
Iwobi also spoke on the significance of representing Africa at the AFCON, describing it as a dream stage for players across the continent.
Both players expressed gratitude for how far they have come, with Bassey admitting that it still feels surreal to be representing Nigeria after years of uncertainty and rejection.
From having no club over a decade ago to starring on Africa’s biggest stage, Bassey’s journey stands as a testament to perseverance and belief.
Today, the defender boasts over 220 appearances for club and country, having featured across the Scottish Premiership, the Eredivisie, and the English Premier League.
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