Calvin Bassey urges young footballers of Nigerian descent to choose Nigeria over England for international representation. Speaking to NBC Sports, he shares his heritage’s influence on his decision to play for Nigeria. Despite challenges in securing commitments from top talents, Bassey hopes to inspire others, emphasizing his personal connection to Nigerian football and its legacy.
Calvin Bassey, the Fulham defender, has called on young footballers of Nigerian heritage, such as Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri, to consider the opportunity to represent Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles, rather than England. In a recent interview with NBC Sports, the 24-year-old emphasized his strong connection to his Nigerian roots, which played a pivotal role in his decision to represent Nigeria in 2022.
Bassey highlighted the rich footballing history of Nigeria and the influential players, including Jay-Jay Okocha and John Obi Mikel, who inspired him. He expressed hope that his journey would encourage more English-born players to consider aligning with Nigeria. The Super Eagles have faced challenges in securing the commitment of talented players born in England to their national team, as several have chosen to represent the Three Lions.
Among these talents is 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, who made history as the youngest player in Premier League history in 2022. Nwaneri has the option to play for either England or Nigeria, given his birthplace and parental heritage, with suggestions that he may receive his first call-up to the England national team soon.
Bassey’s commitment to Nigeria has already borne fruit, as he played an essential role in Nigeria’s advancement to the finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and helped secure qualification for the tournament in Morocco. He is part of a growing cohort of players committed to the Nigerian national side, including Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman, the latter having notably switched from England in 2022.
For Bassey, playing for Nigeria carries significant personal meaning. He recalled that his mother only engaged with football during World Cup events when Nigeria participated, reinforcing the emotional connection he feels when representing the country on the pitch. He is expected to be a key player in Nigeria’s forthcoming matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe as announced by head coach Eric Chelle.
Calvin Bassey is actively encouraging young footballers of Nigerian descent to prioritize representing Nigeria over England. His personal experiences reflect a profound connection to his Nigerian heritage, which has shaped his footballing identity. As more players commit to the Super Eagles, including promising talents like Ethan Nwaneri, Nigeria’s football future looks promising. Bassey remains a prominent figure in this movement, embodying the aspirations of many young athletes with Nigerian roots.
Original Source: punchng.com
