Calvin Bassey Earns Praise as AFCON 2025 Defensive Standout
Calvin Bassey has emerged as one of Nigeria’s standout performers at the Africa Cup of Nations, with his commanding displays at the heart of the Super Eagles’ defence earning him praise as the best defender at the tournament.
The 26-year-old Fulham centre-back has been a rock for Nigeria, leading a backline that has kept three consecutive clean sheets in Morocco.
His influence has been backed up by the numbers: Bassey has made more touches (500) and completed more passes (393) than any other player at AFCON 2025.
He has also played the joint-most matches across the last two editions of the competition, alongside teammates Victor Osimhen and Moses Simon, with 13 appearances each.
While Bassey is expected to miss Saturday’s third-place playoff against Egypt, Osimhen and Simon could move ahead with 14 games played across the two tournaments.
Nigeria head coach Chelle was effusive in his praise of the defender, saying: ‘Every game, he was better than the last game. This AFCON, he has been crazy. He did a great job. For me, if I have to choose the best central back at AFCON, I will say Calvin Bassey.
‘We have a deal together with Calvin that every game he has to improve, whether playing for Nigeria or Fulham. Because I want this guy at the end of next season to be among the best centre-backs in the world. He tries every day to improve, not only on the pitch. He became a leader in the group.’
Bassey’s performances have underlined his growing reputation as one of Africa’s finest defenders, and even in his absence from the bronze-medal clash, his impact on Nigeria’s campaign remains undeniable.
