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Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has explained why he chose to play for Nigeria over England.
Fulham defender Calvin Bassey was born in Italy to Nigerian parents and moved to England as a child, making him eligible to represent three countries at international level.
The versatile defender was a product of Leicester City's youth system but did not make a senior appearance for the club before joining Rangers on a free transfer in July 2020.
He made 65 appearances over two seasons for Rangers and won the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup.
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13:05 - 01.03.2025
Go back to your family root - Bassey urges Nigerian descents, as with NFF battling for Nwaneri
Fulham's Calvin Bassey urges young footballers of Nigerian heritage, like Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri, to pick Nigeria over England.
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In July 2022, he signed for Dutch club Ajax, with Rangers receiving the highest transfer fee in their history. The next season, he joined Fulham, establishing himself as one of the best defenders in England.
On the international level, Bassey chose to represent Nigeria, despite England reportedly keen on calling him up for the national team.
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In a recent interview with NBC Sports. Bassey explained his decision saying he was inspired after watching Lionel Messi's Argentina defeat Nigeria 2-1 at the World Cup in 2018.
“I think it was just seeing the greatest player to ever play, playing against my team," Bassey told NBC Sports.
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“One of my teammates that I played with, Kenneth Omeruo, played that game. Just watching that game, I wanted to be in that position.
“I know how big of a nation Nigeria is and how much pride comes with playing for them. I just worked hard. When I got the opportunity, I didn’t take time [to decide] — I just knew that I wanted to play for Nigeria.”
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