AFCON 2025: Bassey says Super Eagles' experience and hunger will make Nigeria to win

Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has expressed strong confidence that Nigeria is ready to reclaim continental glory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, insisting the team has grown mentally and tactically since their last appearance in the final.

The Fulham centre-back was an ever-present figure during Nigeria’s impressive run to the 2023 AFCON final, where the Super Eagles narrowly lost 2-1 to host nation Ivory Coast.

Two years on, Bassey believes that painful defeat has become a vital building block rather than a setback.

Speaking in an interview published on Fulham’s official website, the 25-year-old defender pointed to maturity and experience as the biggest differences heading into the Morocco tournament.

“Yeah, 100 percent. I think during the last AFCON, I was 23. I have matured, and a lot of the team have matured as well. We’ve gained a lot of experience,” Bassey said.

Nigeria’s defeat in the 2023 final marked their second AFCON final loss in just over a decade, but Bassey insists the current squad has learned how to manage pressure on the biggest stage.

According to the former Rangers defender, the Super Eagles are no longer a team relying purely on raw talent, but one that understands the demands of tournament football.

“We know what it takes now. We know how difficult the competition is, and we understand what it means to represent Nigeria at that level,” he added.

Bassey also highlighted the evolution of leadership within the squad, noting that several senior players have taken on greater responsibility since the last tournament.

In particular, he praised midfielder Alex Iwobi, whose role has expanded beyond creativity to leadership.

“Alex has different roles now; he’s becoming more of a leader. That helps the team a lot because leadership isn’t just about one or two players anymore,” Bassey said.

Three-time African champions, the Super Eagles, head to Morocco eager to restore national pride, especially after failing to qualify for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group C, where they will open their campaign against Tanzania in the historic city of Fès, before facing Tunisia and Uganda.