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Nigerian international Calvin Bassey has claimed that Lionel Messi inspired him to play for the Super Eagles.
Bassey accepted a call-up to Nigeria's 2022 World Cup qualifiers, pledging his future with the country.
The Fulham defender made his Nigerian debut against Ghana in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying match.
Bassey had the chance to represent England and Italy after being born in Italy to Nigerian parents and raised in England but opted to play for Nigeria.
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13:13 - 28.10.2024
‘Kill two birds with one stone’ - Super Eagles duo hopes AFCON success can attract more players
Nigerian stars Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey have explained that the Super Eagles need to keep winning big to attract new talents to the team.
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12:28 - 27.10.2024
‘He has everything’ - Fulham manager claims Super Eagles star can be the best in the world
Fulham manager Marco Silva claims he has complete faith in Super Eagles star and believes he can be the greatest in the world.
Bassey reveals inspiration to join Nigeria
Bassey has talked about the incredible Lionel Messi experience that persuaded him to play for Nigeria, the three-time African champions, on the international scene.
The defender told Sky Sports, “When Nigeria played Argentina, they lost 2-1 but it was a good game.
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“Messi, of course – Messi is Messi, innit – he scored that outrageous goal. I think it was knee, left foot, then right foot. It was top.
“But that was more of a motivation to me to want to play for Nigeria and also play on the big stage.”
In the 2018 World Cup, Nigeria faced Argentina in their last group match, with the African giants needing a draw to go to the knockout stage.
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However, Messi's outstanding goal in the first half gave Argentina a thrilling 2-1 win, denying the Super Eagles a qualification to the next round.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner received a long ball over the top and controlled the ball with his thigh, then used his left foot to touch it past his marker before launching a right-footed effort past Francis Uzoho.
Bassey's affection for Nigeria grew after witnessing that Messi goal and decided to play for the Super Eagles.
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The defender is now an important player in the Super Eagles team, having earned 28 caps for the 2013 AFCON champions.
Meanwhile, Fulham manager Marco Silva claims he has complete faith in the Super Eagles star and believes he can be the greatest in the world.
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