Calvin Bassey: Super Eagles Star Eyes AFCON Glory Amid Squad Changes

Calvin Bassey Leads Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 Campaign

Calvin Bassey, the 25-year-old Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a left-back or centre-back for Premier League club Fulham, is representing Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. As one of the Super Eagles’ defensive pillars, Bassey finds himself shouldering increased responsibility following significant changes to Nigeria’s squad ahead of the tournament.

Squad Challenges and Bassey’s Response

The Super Eagles defender has expressed disappointment over the absence of teammate Benjamin Fredrick from Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 AFCON. Fredrick sustained a knee injury in training with his Belgian club Dender last month, ruling him out of the tournament. Additionally, the unexpected international retirement of iconic captain William Troost-Ekong just days before the tournament has created a void in Nigeria’s defensive line-up.

Speaking to reporters in Morocco, the Fulham player expressed his upset about Fredrick’s absence, wishing him a speedy recovery and hoping he can be back with the team in no time. Despite these setbacks, Bassey lauded Ekong’s leadership ability but insisted that in Wilfred Ndidi, they have a new captain who is equally capable.

Confidence in Nigeria’s Title Bid

Bassey is confident the team has the quality to win the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, believing the heartbreak of the 2023 final against Ivory Coast has forged a more mature and determined squad. When asked if this team can win the title, Bassey asserted ‘100%’, noting he has matured and a lot of the team have matured and gained experience since their last tournament appearance when he was 23.

Bassey has been in fine form for both country and club, delivering strong performances during the 2026 World Cup qualification Group C campaign, the play-offs, the AFCON qualifiers, and with Fulham. On 9 September 2025, he scored his first international goal in a 1-1 away draw against South Africa during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification, demonstrating his growing influence on the national team.

Looking Ahead

As Nigeria opens their AFCON campaign, Bassey’s experience and maturity will be crucial for the Super Eagles’ success. For Calvin Bassey and his teammates, they are no longer the wide-eyed finalists of 2023, but a group hardened by defeat and tasked with ushering in a new era. With strong performances for Fulham in the Premier League and his leadership qualities coming to the fore, Bassey represents Nigeria’s hopes for ending their 13-year wait for a fourth AFCON title.