Calvin Bassey's choice, Nigeria over England and Italy

The 24-year-old, who was born in Italy but grew up in England, recounted a memorable match against Argentina that ignited his passion for the Super Eagles.

Bassey started his football career at Leicester City, joining their youth academy at 15. His quest for first-team football took him to Rangers in the summer of 2020, where he quickly became a key figure in defence.

His impressive performances contributed to Rangers winning the Scottish League title, the Scottish Cup, and reaching the UEFA Europa League final, raising questions about his international allegiance.

In 2021, after careful consideration, Bassey committed to Nigeria, earning his first cap in World Cup qualifiers against the Central African Republic.

Since then, he has become an essential part of the Super Eagles, making 28 appearances and playing a significant role in their silver medal finish at the 2023 AFCON tournament.

Reflecting on his decision, Bassey stated, "When Nigeria played Argentina, they lost 2-1, but it was a good game... Messi scored that outrageous goal."

This encounter motivated him to don the Nigerian jersey, as he aspired to showcase his talent on the world stage.

Now, enjoying a strong season with Fulham under manager Marco Silva, Bassey's journey from Italy to England to Nigeria serves as an inspiration for many young footballers.

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