Calvin Bassey: ‘I’ll bring energy and physicality to Eagles’ defence’

Calvin Bassey says he will be a quality addition to the Super Eagles if he makes the squad to next month’s 33rd Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroun.

Bassey,21, plays for Rangers in the Scottish Premiership and has featured in 11 games so far this campaign including seven in the last seven games.
Bassey who reveals his hero growing up was former Nigeria captain, Austin Jayjay Okocha is also eligible to play for Italy and England but opted for Nigeria and was called up for World Cup qualifiers earlier this year
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He has yet to make his debut though and has admitted he’s desperate to make his Nigeria debut at the AFCON.

“I will bring energy and physicality to the Eagles’ defence and will also bring a bit of doggedness to African football.

“I know it will be physical, but I think that will play to my strengths. Growing up and watching the Super Eagles, Jay Jay Okocha was my role model.

“He was so confident in the ball and that’s something I love to emulate. He was not scared to take on players and express himself and he was a joy to watch.”
The defender has flourished under new Ibrox boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst who heaped praise on him for his performances in the centre of defence.

Bassey netted an own goal in the midweek Europa League draw against Lyon but the former Leicester City kid has become an integral part of the team.

He grabbed his chance when Nigeria team-mate Leon Balogun was injured and the pair, along with Joe Aribo, are likely to be called up for the Super Eagles.

Nigeria boss Gernot Rohr has still to decide if the trio will be allowed to join up late with his squad to allow the African stars to be available for Rangers’ trip to Parkhead on January 2.