Why Bassey chose Nigeria over England & Italy

10/31/2024 09:00 AM

Nigeria international Calvin Bassey has explained why he decided to represent the Super Eagles.

The Fulham defender was born in Aosta, Italy to parents of Nigerian descent before moving to England as a child.

Therefore, Bassey was eligible to play for Italy, Nigeria or England at international level.

In 2021, Bassey committed his international future to Nigeria when he accepted a call-up for their 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

“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.”

The 24-year-old has 28 Nigeria caps and he will be hoping to help the Super Eagles qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.