He’s the best — Victor Osimhen hails Super Eagles teammate as No.1 in Africa

Super Eagles talisman Victor Osimhen has crowned teammate Calvin Bassey the premier defender on the continent.

In a recent "Dream 5-a-Side" interview reported by Pulse Sports, the Galatasaray striker selected the Fulham star as his sole defensive anchor, placing him alongside icons like Mikel Obi, Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, and Odion Ighalo.

“At the back, I will have Bassey, 100%,” Osimhen declared.

“Not because he is my brother, but because he is actually one of the best, or the best defender in Africa at the moment.”

Osimhen's endorsement comes after a stellar AFCON 2025 in Morocco, where both players were named to the official Team of the Tournament after leading Nigeria to a bronze medal.

Bassey’s has improved steadily over the years, making the journey to Fulham through Rangers and Ajax.

The 26-year-old has now become a cult hero under Marco Silva at Fulham and one of the Premier League's most consistent defenders.

His physicality has even caught the attention of Manchester City's Erling Haaland, who recently hailed Bassey's toughness after both sides met earlier in the season.

Bassey’s performance in the AFCON semi-final against Morocco, recording 11 clearances and zero successful dribbles against him, further solidified this reputation as a defensive powerhouse.

Meanwhile, Kingsley Ughelumba, father of Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey, has made an emotional public plea to reconnect with his sons after nearly two decades of estrangement.

In an emotional interview circulating on social media, Ughelumba expressed deep anguish over the prolonged separation, attributing the breakdown in family relations to unresolved marital issues with his former wife, Ebere Bassey.

Calvin Bassey rose through Leicester City’s academy before gaining prominence at Rangers, where he won the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup. His performances earned him a million move to Ajax in 2022, followed by a €22 million transfer to Fulham a year later.