SUPER Eagles of Nigeria and Fulham star, Calvin Bassey has described what convinced him to play international football for three-time African champions, Nigeria.
The Fulham defender was born in Italy to Nigerian parents but raised in England, therefore, could have represented any of the three football nations.
According to the 24-year-old, watching Lionel Messi score in a 2-1 victory against Nigeria in the final Group stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup that took place in Russia, motivated him.
“When Nigeria played Argentina, they lost 2-1 but it was a good game,” Bassey told Sky Sports. “Messi, of course – Messi is Messi, innit – he scored that outrageous goal. I think it was knee, left foot, then right foot. It was top.
“But that was more of motivation to me to want to play for Nigeria and also play on the big stage.”
Bassey made his Super Eagles debut in 2022 and has earned 28 caps. He was also a key member of the Super Eagles squad that reached the final of the AFCON earlier this year, winning a silver medal.
The player, alongside his international teammates, was awarded the Member of the Order of the Niger by the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his contributions at the tournament.
