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Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has revealed he nearly quit professional football as a teenager before rising to prominence ahead of Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 campaign against Tanzania.
Bassey, 25, who currently plays for Fulham, played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s Group C opener, setting up both goals in a 2-0 win. His surging run created the opening strike, followed by a second from Ademola Lookman, with both assists orchestrated alongside his club and national teammate, Alex Iwobi.
Born in Italy to Nigerian parents and raised in East London, Bassey described a defining crossroads at age 15. “I told myself that if I didn’t get a professional club, I would quit football. It was that simple,” he said. He reflected on the uncertainty of his early teens, when opportunities were slow to arrive despite years of training at CrownPro Elite Football Academy and CM Futsal Academy.
The turning point came when he joined Leicester City’s academy, a move that launched a professional career spanning Europe. “Looking back, that moment was good for me. It felt like a make-or-break point, so I had to give everything I had,” Bassey said.
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Ahead of kick-off at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, Bassey and Iwobi shared reflections on their journeys to Africa’s premier football stage. “I don’t understand what God has done in my life. Moments like this, I just sit and look, and I just appreciate God because 10,11 years ago, I had no club. Now, I’m representing my national team, it’s crazy. It’s the biggest stage in Africa,” Bassey said.
Iwobi echoed the sentiment, noting the honour of playing at the Africa Cup of Nations. The duo’s camaraderie and shared experiences underscore the resilience required to succeed in professional football.
Since his breakthrough, Bassey has built an impressive career with over 220 appearances across the SPFL, Eredivisie, and the English Premier League. His journey from near-abandonment of football to becoming a key figure in the Super Eagles highlights determination, perseverance, and faith.
The defender’s story serves as inspiration for young athletes facing setbacks, demonstrating that pivotal moments, coupled with commitment and opportunity, can shape a lasting professional career.
Bassey’s performance against Tanzania not only marked a successful start to Nigeria’s AFCON campaign but also celebrated a personal triumph over adversity, reinforcing his status as a key player for both club and country.
