11 years ago, I had no club — Calvin Bassey shares emotional moment with Iwobi

Bassey, 25, played an important role in Nigeria's 2-1 win against Tanzania, with both goals assisted by his club and international teammate, Alex Iwobi.

Before the game at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, the two players were captured discussing their remarkable journeys and the privilege of representing their country on Africa's biggest stage.

Born in Italy to Nigerian parents and raised in Newham, London, Bassey's path to professional football was far from straightforward.

After starting at CrownPro Elite Football Academy and CM Futsal Academy, he found himself without a professional contract as a teenager and was close to giving up on his dream.

The pre-match conversation with Iwobi highlighted just how much the opportunity means to him. As Iwobi noted that playing in the Africa Cup of Nations is a dream for every African player, Bassey expressed his profound thankfulness for his career's turnaround.

"I don't understand what God has done in my life," Bassey said. "Moments like this, I just sit and look, and I just appreciate God because 10, 11 years ago, I had no club. Now, I'm representing my national team. It's crazy."

Since his uncertain teenage years, Bassey has amassed over 220 appearances for club and country, playing in top leagues like the Scottish Premiership, the Dutch Eredivisie, and the English Premier League.

The Super Eagles return to AFCON action on Saturday night against Tunisia as they look to build on their opening win.