Super Eagles’ Calvin Bassey Reflects On How He Almost Gave Up On Football

Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has opened up on a defining period in his career as Nigeria kicked off their AFCON 2025 campaign against Tanzania, revealing how close he came to walking away from professional football before his breakthrough.

Calvin Bassey, 25, who now plays for Fulham, cut a confident figure as Nigeria made a winning start in Group C. Bassey’s surging run helped spark the opening goal, before Ademola Lookman added a second. Both strikes were created by his club and national teammate, Alex Iwobi.

Ahead of kick-off at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, Bassey and Iwobi took a moment to reflect on their journeys and the privilege of featuring on Africa’s biggest football stage.

Bassey was born in Italy to Nigerian parents before moving to England as a child. He grew up in Newham, East London, with strong family ties to Nigeria. His father, Kingsley, is from Umunnamehi Ihiala in Anambra State, while his mother, Ebere, hails from Oron in Akwa Ibom State.

His early education came at Rokeby School in London, while his football development began at CrownPro Elite Football Academy and later CM Futsal Academy. Despite his commitment, opportunities were slow to arrive, and as he approached his mid-teens, the absence of professional interest pushed him to a difficult crossroads.

“I remember being 15 and going into my final year, and I told myself that if I didn’t get a professional club, I would quit football. It was that simple,” the former Rangers defender said.

“I would just stop pursuing it seriously and only play for fun. Thank God I eventually got a club, because I honestly don’t know where I would be otherwise.

“I would have played casually with my friends, but I wouldn’t have chased a career in it anymore.”

That turning point came when Bassey earned a place at the academy of Leicester City, setting him on a path that would later take him across Europe.

“Looking back, that moment was good for me. It felt like a make-or-break point, so I had to give everything I had. That’s the positive side of it,” he explained.

“I would have been at peace with myself either way, because at least I promised myself that I would give it everything, and if it didn’t work out, then so be it.”

For Iwobi, the Africa Cup of Nations remains a stage every African player longs to reach.

“You know, many people dream of being here, I actually thank God,” Iwobi said.

“I thank God, bro,” Bassey responded.

“I don’t understand what God has done in my life. Moments like this, I just sit and look, and I just appreciate God because 10,11 years ago, I had no club.”

“Now, I’m representing my National team, it’s crazy. It’s the biggest stage in Africa.”

Calvin Bassey has since gone on to build a solid career, making over 220 appearances for club and country across the SPFL, the Eredivisie and the English Premier League.