SCORENigeria Top 30: Calvin Bassey (10)
Calvin Bassey has brought raw energy and exuberance in defence for both club and country after initial hiccups at the start of his highly promising career.
Goal! ⚽
Super Eagles’ defender Calvin Bassey fires Fulham in front at Old Trafford 🇳🇬🤩
Man United 0-1 Fulham
Watch #MUNFUL Live on SportyTV Now 📺#SportyTVEPL pic.twitter.com/nposIXDaY1
— SportyTV (@SportyTV_) February 24, 2024
The 24-year-old joined Fulham on a four-year deal with the option of a further year after first season at Dutch giants Ajax did not go exactly to plan and has since gone to be one to watch out for in manager Marco Silva’s backline.
Calvin went on to form a formidable partnership with fellow Nigerian compatriot Tosin Adarabioyo (who has now joined Chelsea) in the 2023/2024 season at ‘The Cottagers’, crucial to ensuring their safety and participation in the Premier League next season, comfortably.
It was also a notable season for the Italy-born defender as he scored his first-ever Premier League goal in their historic 2-1 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
With the Super Eagles, left-footed Calvin Bassey was also a huge part of the defence, as he was trusted various times by coach Jose Paseiro in a three-man central defensive combo that also had captain William Ekong and Semi Ajayi.
He went on to keep four clean sheets in seven games at the 2023 AFCON, racking up involvements in all, with 576 minutes in total.
He was also called up by new coach Finidi George (who has now resigned) for the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin.
His mistake led Benin to draw level and go on to record a famous 2-1 victory over Nigeria in Abidjan.
However, he remains an important player of the Super Eagles.
Bassey is now on a summer break, including hang-outs with his Super Eagles team-mates as he looks to recover and recuperate for next season’s hostilities.
