Bassey on Super Eagles debut: African football is ‘harder’

By Labaran Kenneth

365Daily – 22-year-old Scottish giants Rangers player, Calvin Bassey, has said playing football in Afirca is more physical.

He said this while speaking on his debut for Nigeria in the 0-0 draw match against the Black Stars on Friday, March 25, 2022.

He came on as a second-half substitute for Zaidu in the 64th minute and helped the Super Eagles keep a clean sheet in the match at Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi, Ghana.

Bassey said he felt honoured to represent Nigeria, adding that he was welcomed warmly by his teammates when he joined them in camp.

Scottish Daily Express quoted him as saying: “It was an honour to represent this great nation.

“Playing in Africa is a lot more physical, it’s just adjusting to the environment, the pitch, the weather, and it’s harder to breathe so it’s just adjusting to it.

“The reception has been amazing. I’ve known some of the boys for quite a while and they are all welcoming. They are a good bunch of boys with experience that I can learn from.”

On whether Nigeria stands a chance to win the second meeting, Bassey said: “Obviously, we will get the win.”

Born in Italy, Bassey was eligible to play for Italy, Nigeria, or England at the international level.

In 2021, he accepted a call-up for Nigeria’s 2022 Fifa World Cup Qualifiers and finally made his debut against the Black Stars on Friday.

The Super Eagles will host the Black Stars at Abuja National Stadium on Tuesday, March 30, 2022.

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