Calvin Bassey, the Nigeria international and Fulham defender, recently shared how a memorable moment from Lionel Messi inspired his decision to play for the Super Eagles over England. Bassey, born in Italy to Nigerian parents and raised in England, had options to represent Nigeria, England, or Kenya at the international level. However, his choice was ultimately influenced by Nigeria’s spirited performance against Argentina in the 2018 World Cup.
Reflecting on that game, Bassey described how Messi’s brilliance left a lasting impression. The Barcelona legend’s remarkable opening goal—featuring a knee control, left-foot touch, and powerful right-foot finish past Nigeria’s goalkeeper—was pivotal. Although Nigeria lost 2-1, their resilience and determination resonated with Bassey, then a young player in Leicester City’s youth system. This admiration for the Super Eagles’ fighting spirit planted the seeds for his commitment to the team.
In 2021, Bassey received his first call-up to the Nigerian national team for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, debuting against Ghana in a 0-0 draw. Since then, he has become a core player for Nigeria, earning 28 caps and helping the team reach the AFCON final earlier this year, where they secured a silver medal. His journey highlights the significance of the 2018 World Cup match, which transformed him from an observer to a dedicated Super Eagles player.
