'Nigeria shirt is crazy' - Super Eagles defender Bassey names AFCON 2023 as career highlight

Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has revealed that playing at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) stands above all as the defining highlight of his football career to date. 

The 25-year-old Fulham star was an ever-present force in the heart of Nigeria’s defense throughout the tournament, anchoring the backline under former boss Jose Peseiro as the Super Eagles stormed to the final.

Reflecting in a heartfelt video shared on Instagram, Bassey expressed his immense pride and gratitude at donning the famous green-and-white. “AFCON 2023. To wear that Nigeria shirt is crazy. Like, it’s crazy,” he admitted “So, for me, if I had to pick one [career highlight], AFCON.”

This remark proves just how much national representation means to the London-born defender, who, despite establishing himself in European club football, treasures the emotional connection and cultural pride of playing for Nigeria above all else.

During the AFCON 2023 tournament, Bassey’s performances received widespread praise from fans and pundits alike. His combination of physicality, composure, and tactical awareness was crucial in shutting out some of Africa’s most dangerous attackers.

He played a key role as Nigeria topped their group and progressed through tense knockout rounds, only narrowly missing out on lifting the trophy following a hard-fought defeat to hosts Ivory Coast in the final.

For Bassey, the experience transcended results. The intensity of AFCON, the passionate crowds, and the responsibility of representing over 200 million Nigerians combined to create an atmosphere he described as “unforgettable.”

His contributions not only strengthened his standing as a key figure in the national setup but also further endeared him to Super Eagles fans worldwide.

Looking forward, Bassey’s AFCON journey serves as inspiration, reaffirming his commitment to Nigeria and his ambitions to achieve even greater heights with the Super Eagles in the years to come