Super Eagles
Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey advise players with Nigeria roots to always identify with their roots in international football; npflupdates.com reports.
The Super Eagles have lost a lot of talented players to foreign countries; because they fail to identify with Nigeria. Such players are Bukayo Saka, Fikayo Tomori, Tammy Abraham, Ross Barkley, Jordan Ibe and many others.
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Speaking to the media during a chat, the former Ajax Amsterdam defender, admit it’s good going back to his roots.
According to the Fulham player, he hopes he alongside his teammate can be able to influence dual national players to switch allegiance to the Super Eagles.
Come back and play for the Super Eagles – Bassey advise dual national players
“I think it’s good. With us going back to our family roots, I think a lot more players have done it as well,” Bassey was quoted by Soccernet Nigeria.
“I feel like because most of us were first-generation, we really feel connected to our Nigerian roots. We know how big of a country it is and how big they are in football, with some of the Nigerian stars that came through — Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, John Obi Mikel… there are so many stars!
“For us, we looked up to these guys, and we wanted to be part of it. It’s a nice feeling. Hopefully, we inspire more boys who are born in England to at least consider playing back home.”
Speaking furthe he reminisced, “When I was younger, my mom didn’t really watch football unless it was the World Cup,” he said.
“That’s the only thing she was engaged in because Nigeria was involved. So seeing that, I just know when I’m on that pitch playing for Nigeria, she’s supporting like crazy.”
Bassey recalled how his mother was his loudest cheerleader during the 2023 AFCON tournament in Cote d’Ivoire.
The Super Eagles failed to clinch it’s fourth title; losing 2-1 to host nation in the final.
“I remember when she came to the African Cup of Nations, obviously, I couldn’t see her, but my friend was there along with my mom and my agent, and they sent me videos. My mom’s passion is just crazy. She’s just screaming!
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“She thinks I can hear her, and I’m like ‘I can’t hear it Mom, there’s like 60,000 people in the stadium!’ But it’s nice, and that just fuels me to want to do more. I know all my family in Nigeria is watching as well. It’s a different type of feeling — you can’t really put into words.”
Osimhen’s Outstanding record in the Turkish Super Lig speaks volume
In another story, Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen scored brace earlier today to help Galatasary beat Kasimpasa.
It was a keenly contested fixture, but the former VFL Wolfsburg man stood and was counted; scoring from the spot in the first half and firing home another in the second period.
The goal meant he’s contributed in 20 goals and assist for Galatasary in the Super Lig this season, playing 20 games.
Osimhen is expected to lead the Super Eagles attack when they play against Rwanda and Zimbabwe on the 17th and 25th respectively.
