AFCON 2025: 'It's upsetting' — Calvin Bassey discusses losing Ekong and Benjamin Fredrick

In a conversation with Pulse Sports, Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey reacted to losing William Troost-Ekong and Benjamin Fredrick within a month to the AFCON. 

Bassey will have a new defensive partner, or multiple partners, for the AFCON, after the retirement of William Troost-Ekong and the unfortunate injury to Benjamin Fredrick. 

The Fulham defender has been a constant presence in the Super Eagles' backline in recent years. During the last AFCON, his partnership with the Al Kholood defender delivered a silver medal, with Nigeria finishing as one of the best defensive teams in the tournament. 

Pay Attention: Stay informed on the biggest tournament in African football! Match reports and fixtures inside. Follow the AFCON 2025 coverage!

Speaking about Ekong's retirement—which came after he had been included in the preliminary squad for the AFCON—Bassey lauded his leadership ability but insisted that in Wilfred Ndidi, they have a new captain who is equally capable. 

“Of course, he was an incredible player, incredible leader, um, good friend of mine,” he told Pulse Sports’ Tunde and Tosin. “Yeah, so it's sad to see him go, but I think it's with everything, you know. Um, people leave, and people come, so it's just about trying to get a group together that can, you know, help.

“I think we've got an amazing captain in Wilf. Um, I've known him for many years now, being with him at Leicester. So, yeah. I mean, I trust in him, and I'm sure he will lead us to victory by God's grace.

In the latter stages of Nigeria’s unsuccessful World Cup qualifying bid, Bassey had a new partner in the prodigious Fredrick. The duo were expected to be on the screen in front of Stanley Nwabali in Morocco. However, he sustained an injury with his club side, Dender, weeks before the tournament. 

Bassey expressed his disappointment and wished his younger colleague a speedy recovery and good luck. 

“No, I haven't spoke to him, but um, you know, it's very upsetting, very upset for him,” he said when asked if he had spoken to Benjamin. 

“I feel like it would have been amazing for him to showcase his talent on this stage. Um, yeah, and I just wish him a speedy recovery, and hopefully he can be back with us in no time.

There have been speculations about who Eric Chelle will elect to partner Bassey for the tournament. Pulse Sports' probable XI for Nigeria vs Tanzania provides some insight into the French-Malian's thinking.