The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced its official Team of the Tournament for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with Super Eagles claiming three prestigious spots following their impressive bronze-medal finish in Morocco.
The Best XI, dominated by champions Senegal and runners-up Morocco, recognises outstanding performances across the competition, but Nigeria’s representatives—Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Calvin Bassey—stand out for their pivotal contributions to the Super Eagles’ strong campaign.
Nigeria’s three inclusions highlight the depth and quality of the Super Eagles squad.
Defender Calvin Bassey anchored a resilient backline with commanding displays, solid aerial presence, and key interceptions that helped Nigeria reach the semi-finals. His versatility and composure underpressure earned him a deserved place among the continent’s elite defenders.
In midfield, Ademola Lookman dazzled with his creativity, dribbling, and goal threat, consistently unlocking defences and contributing crucial assists and strikes.
The Atalanta star’s flair and work rate made him one of the tournament’s most dynamic performers.
Leading the attack, Victor Osimhen delivered powerhouse performances up front, terrorising opposition defences with his pace, strength, and clinical finishing.
The Galatasaray forward’s goals and relentless pressing were instrumental in Nigeria’s run to third place, cementing his status as one of Africa’s top talents.
The recognition underscores Nigeria’s competitive showing and sets a strong foundation for future campaigns, with fans praising the trio’s well-earned honours on social media.
Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has reflected on the Super Eagles’ semi-final defeat to the Atlas Lions of Morocco, and insisted that the team will go all out to secure third position, DAILY POST reports.
Bassey was one of the top performers for the Super Eagles in the defeat to the hosts in Rabat on Wednesday night.
The Fulham defender completely shut out Morocco dangerman, Ayoub El Kaabi in the game.
Reacting to Nigeria’s failure to reach the final of the AFCON, Bassey expressed pride with the team’s performance.
The 26-year-old also insisted that the Super Eagles will fight to win the third-place match against Egypt.
“We thank God in all situations. A gutting way to end the tournament. The support and togetherness we’ve felt has been special. Sorry we couldn’t take it all the way, we fought and gave it our all. We’ll build on this. Not finished yet though, we still have something to push for,” Bassey wrote on X.
The Super Eagles will face the Pharaohs of Egypt in the third-place match at the Mohammed V Sports Complex,Casablanca on Saturday.
Bassey will miss the clash with Hossam Hassan’s side due to suspension.
Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey and winger Samuel Chukwueze have both combined caution with confidence as Nigeria brace for tonight’s AFCON 2025 Round of 16 clash in Fez against the Mambas of Mozambique.’
Bassey, who anchors the defence for both club and country, warned against complacency, stressing that no team can be taken for granted at this stage of the tournament.
“We cannot underestimate any team. Ten men Mali beat Tunisia with a complete side,” the Fulham centre-back said, adding that despite Nigeria’s star-studded squad, focus remains internal. “Yes, on paper we have all the big names but we are just focused on ourselves and sticking to the game plan.
“The objective is to keep a clean sheet. We must pay attention to details and improve in defence, not conceding some of the type of goals we have conceded,” Bassey noted.
He further praised the attackers for their contribution off the ball, saying, “The defence starts from the attack and they have been doing an amazing job. It must be a collective effort.”
On his part, Chukwueze expressed calm assurance within the camp, insisting the team is mentally and physically ready for the knockout challenge.
“We are very calm. We know where we are coming from and we are ready to face any team,” he said.
The Fulham forward concluded by reaffirming the squad’s commitment and hunger to progress further in the competition.
“We are ready to give everything because the boys are set,” Chukwueze added.
Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey says that although he is deeply disappointed by Nigeria’s failure to secure a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite the team’s best efforts, the focus must now shift to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria fell 4-3 on penalties to DR Congo on Sunday in the final of the African World Cup Qualifying Play-off Tournament in Morocco, with the Central African side claiming the continent’s sole ticket to the Inter-confederations playoffs in March.
Despite the team’s overall poor showing, Bassey, alongside Benjamin Fredrick, was among the few standout performers for the Super Eagles in the encounter.
Although he had a fairly outstanding performance out of the pack, Bassey was one of the three Super Eagles players who missed their penalties during the shoot-out. He struck his effort over the crossbar before Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi also failed to convert.
The Fulham defender emphasized that while the team gave everything, it simply wasn’t enough on the day. He added that instead of dwelling on the disappointment, the players must use the setback as motivation heading into the AFCON in Morocco next month.
“We did everything we could. We’ve got to keep our heads held high… we go again at AFCON.”
Nigeria, three-time winners of the AFCON, will be hoping to lift the trophy for the first time in over a decade. The Super Eagles last triumphed in 2013 and came agonisingly close in 2024, losing 2-1 in the final to hosts Cote d’Ivoire
Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey said his first international goal was a special honour, while expressing hope that Nigeria can still fight their way into the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite a 1-1 draw with South Africa.
The 25-year-old struck on the stroke of halftime in Bloemfontein, pouncing to level after captain William Troost-Ekong’s own goal had put the Bafana Bafana ahead. His effort briefly reignited Nigeria’s campaign but the Super Eagles could not find a breakthrough in the second half.
The draw leaves Nigeria with 11 points—six behind group leaders South Africa and three adrift of second-placed Benin—with only two matches left. Qualification now depends on back-to-back wins against Lesotho and Benin in October, alongside favourable results elsewhere.
Reflecting on his milestone, Bassey wrote on Snapchat: “Honoured to wear this shirt and scored my first goal. We didn’t win but we keep believing, if anyone can do it, it is God.”
Despite Nigeria’s uphill task, the Fulham defender’s performance was a bright spark, underlining his growing influence for both club and country.
Bassey will now return to Premier League duty on Saturday when Fulham host Leeds United. The clash could also see Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze make his debut following a loan move from AC Milan, as Marco Silva’s men continue their search for a first league victory of the season.
Galatasaray and Napoli are in the final stages of completing a transfer deal for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The agreement is reportedly worth a total of €75 million and will see €40 million paid up front, with the remaining €35 million to be settled in a year.
This move will be one of the most expensive for a Nigerian footballer ever.
Over the years, Nigerian footballers have continued to make headlines on the global stage: not just for their talent, but also for the hefty transfer fees they attract.
Here are four of the most expensive Nigerian footballers since 2020:
1. Victor Osimhen – €78.9 Million (Lille to Napoli, 2020):
Victor Osimhen’s move from Lille to Napoli in the summer of 2020 remains the most expensive transfer involving a Nigerian player. The fee, reportedly rising to €78.9 million with bonuses and player exchanges, made him the costliest African transfer at the time.
Osimhen joined Napoli after an impressive season in Ligue 1, where he scored 18 goals in 38 appearances.
Since arriving in Serie A, Osimhen has grown into one of Europe’s top strikers, playing a key role in Napoli’s 2022/23 Scudetto-winning campaign, their first league title in over 30 years.
2. Calvin Bassey – €23 Million (Rangers to Ajax, 2022):
Calvin Bassey’s rapid rise from Leicester City’s youth setup to commanding a €23 million move to Ajax in 2022 is remarkable.
The versatile defender starred for Rangers in their run to the UEFA Europa League final in 2022, where his strong tackling and composure caught the attention of top clubs.
Ajax signed Bassey as a replacement for Lisandro Martínez, who had moved to Manchester United. Although his time in Amsterdam was mixed, Bassey’s potential was undeniable, leading to a transfer to Fulham the following year.
3. Terem Moffi – €22.5 Million (Lorient to Nice, 2023)
Terem Moffi completed a high-profile move from FC Lorient to OGC Nice in January 2023 for a reported €22.5 million. The deal included a loan with an obligation to buy, making him one of the most expensive Nigerian attackers in Ligue 1 history.
Moffi has continued to impress at Nice, solidifying his place in the Super Eagles setup.
4. Taiwo Awoniyi – €20.5 Million (Union Berlin to Nottingham Forest, 2022):
Taiwo Awoniyi’s journey from Liverpool loanee to Nottingham Forest’s marquee signing in 2022 came after a breakout season at Union Berlin, where he netted 20 goals in all competitions. The €20.5 million transfer was a record deal for Forest at the time as they prepared for life in the Premier League following promotion.
Nigeria international Calvin Bassey has been named Fulham’s Player of the Season for the 2024–25 campaign, becoming the first Nigerian and African to receive the club’s top individual honour, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles defender was a rock at the heart of Marco Silva’s side, playing a crucial role in Fulham’s impressive 11th-place finish in the Premier League.
Now in his second season at Craven Cottage after joining from Ajax in 2023, Bassey established himself as a key figure in Fulham’s back line.
The 25-year-old featured in 35 of the club’s 38 Premier League matches, scoring once and producing a string of consistent performances.
Statistically, Bassey was one of the team’s most reliable defenders. He helped Fulham keep five clean sheets, averaged 0.6 interceptions, 1.5 tackles, 4.8 ball recoveries, and 3.2 clearances per game, while making only one error that led to a goal.
In winning the award, Bassey edged out a strong shortlist including Raúl Jiménez, Fulham’s top scorer with 12 goals, and fellow Nigeria international Alex Iwobi, who played all 38 league matches and contributed nine goals and six assists across all competitions.
Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey is the fourth-highest-rated centre-back in the English Premier League, according to Data MB, Soccernet.ng reports.
Bassey has had an impressive campaign with Fulham this season. He has grown remarkably from his struggles at Ajax two seasons ago to become a player touted to be a solution to Barcelona’s defensive problems.
This season, the 25-year-old has helped the Cottagers claim big wins against top clubs like Liverpool, Tottenham, and Chelsea.
To further accentuate his brilliance for Fulham this season, Data MB, a platform that uses data to analyze players’ performances, has named Bassey as the fourth-best centre-back in the Premier League.
Liverpool star Virgil Van Dijk tops the list, while he is closely followed by Arsenal’s William Saliba. Chelsea’s Levi Colwill follows in third, while Bassey sits in third.
Ibrahima Konate is fifth, while Van Hecke, Nathan Collins, Lisandro Martinez, Dean Huijsen, and Lewis Dunk complete the top ten.
As of the time of this report, no big club has shown serious interest in acquiring Calvin Bassey’s services. However, that could quickly change.
Following Fulham 3-2 victory against Liverpool, the Nigerian international, Calvin Bassey, was voted Man of the Match after a dominant display. Successfully seeing out a big three points. The Fulham centre-back, who was born in Italy and raised in London, is at a rare crossroads in his football career.
He could have played for England, or Italy, but it was clear that he would rather play for the Nigerian national team. “It’s a different type of feeling you can’t really put into words,” Bassey said, reflecting on what it means to play for the Super Eagles. After spending nearly three years with the national team, he now becomes part of the esteemed history of Super Eagles icons such as Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, and John Obi Mikel. In his word: “For us, we looked up to these guys, and we wanted to be part of it,” said Bassey.
During the match, Mo Salah struggled to make an impact for Liverpool, managing just three shots without finding a target – his second such game this season, with the previous one also coming against Fulham. In a post-match review, Fulham manager, Marco Silva, and the Fulham fans applauded the performance of the Nigeria International. “It was a great performance from him. If he’s able to keep the focus, he has all the skills to be a top central defender,” Silva said.
Bassey picked up 45.41 per cent of the vote, with Rodrigo Muniz coming second (18.81%) and Sander Berge following in third (11.73%).
As the Nigerian international recounts his motivational path from Italy to London and then to representing Nigeria, the homeland of his mother, he belongs to a broader trend of Nigerians raised in London who chose to play for Nigeria—a nation that is not only in their heritage but is intricately linked to their identity, regardless of their place of birth.
While growing up in London, Bassey experienced the contrast of African and Western home, stating that his parents’ home symbolizes Nigeria while outside the home represents the United Kingdom (UK). Additionally, he was used to some of Nigerian’s food before travelling down to the country. “There were two different sets of rules — one for outside and one in the home. I think my mom thought Nigeria was in the house and that outside the house was the UK. There was a big difference, but it was alright. Now, she’s got grandkids by my brother, so she’s bit softer and she understands it more. But I think it was good to have the contrast.
“When I eventually came to play for Nigeria, I was used to certain things, like the food. So, when I went back to Nigeria, it wasn’t a big shock or difference to me.” – He added.
In discussing Nigerian culture and its role in helping him connect with his roots in London, the Nigerian international stated that Nigerian culture is present wherever he travels. “It seems like there’s a big Nigerian culture everywhere I go! It’s nice! We all go through sort of similar experiences. My friends are also, all first-generation in England. We’re all living in this sort of bubble together, with this difference at home and difference outside,” he said.
In Newham, where Bassey spent his childhood, individuals either join a gang or pursue a career in football. Bassey opted for the latter path because of his parents’ discipline and supportive words. “My mom always spoke about hard work. She [emphasized] that nothing’s handed to you — you have to go and get it, and you have to work hard. You have to be focused.
“In the environment in general, I’ve seen a lot of people — friends and associates — who chose the wrong path. That deterred me from doing those things. I didn’t want to be another statistic. I didn’t want to be like them. I wanted more for myself. I had seen what had happened to some of my older brother’s friends. I just had to make better decisions for myself. Football really shielded me from that. It kept me distracted and busy. Football instilled in me more respect, dedication, and hard work. Those [experiences], together, made me the person I am today,” he explained.
Watching eight-time Ballon D’or winner, Lionel Messi, during the 2018 World Cup match between Nigeria vs Argentina was one of the reasons that motivated Bassey to represent the Nigeria national team.
Bassey said “I think it was just seeing the greatest player to ever play, playing against my team. [Nigeria] lost 2-1. I think one of my teammates that I played with, Kenneth Omeruo, played that game. Just watching that game, I wanted to be in that position. I know how big of a nation Nigeria is and how much pride comes with playing for them. I just worked hard. When I got the opportunity, I didn’t take time [to decide] — I just knew that I wanted to play for Nigeria.”
While it feels good for Bassey, a first-generation resident in London, to connect with Nigeria and his heritage, he is inspired to encourage other talented Nigerian boys living abroad to choose wearing the Nigeria jersey over others. In his word: “I think it’s good. With us going back to our family roots, I think a lot more players have done it as well. 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,” Bassey added.
He views representing the Super Eagles as an incredible opportunity, particularly for his mother. Recall that when he was a child, his mother wasn’t interested in football unless it was a World Cup featuring Nigeria. “It’s massive. When I was younger, my mom didn’t really watch football unless it was the World Cup. 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.
“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! 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,” he explained.
In discussing his time at Fulham, Bassey expresses satisfaction, noting that all players receive the same treatment without favoritism. Additionally, he has gained new insights alongside his previous experiences. “My time’s been alright. We’ve got some good guys — funny guys. It’s a nice club. I think everyone’s nice. It’s a nice team. It’s a club that’s growing, which I like. It’s good to be part of it. The manager [Marco Silva] is very ambitious.
“I wouldn’t say I’ve learned anything particularly new, but I feel like the manager himself has emphasized being a family — being together — and he’s just made it more and more important, making us values it more. You can say I’ve learned this, but I think I’ve always been like that. The manager doesn’t treat anyone more special than anyone else. The way he says hello to the players, he says hello to the chefs. You respect everyone the same way. I look at that, and I think I have to be like that too.”
The Fulham defender believes Nigeria is fortunate to have several members of its national team competing in the Premier League and also shared his excitement at seeing fans wearing Fulham jerseys with his name on the back. “The talent that’s come from Nigeria is unbelievable! I believe our team is very [strong], but to be part of the group of Nigerian players who’ve played in the Premier League, it’s a blessing. There are things you’ve dreamt about as a kid, and to be here… sometimes it’s surreal when I see a kid with my shirt on, with my name on the back of it. It still feels like, Wow, that’s actually me. It’s crazy, but it’s nice.”
In advising the next generation, Bassey urges them to trust in themselves, possess a strong belief enjoined with hardworking.
Bassey holds the view that life should involve both giving and receiving, which is why he embraces Christian principles of generosity towards those he cares about. He emphasizes that individuals should showcase kindness to their loved ones. “I think it’s important. Some of us are closer to our families back home, and some of us are not. As a footballer, you get so much given to you and this is just my belief, but you can’t just keep taking and taking. You’ve got to give something back. That’s just my way of giving back. That’s just what I believe in. There’s no hiding away from it — we’re in a privileged position to be where we are, so we need to be able to help the ones we can help, whether that’s family or loved ones. Charity is the best thing you could do.”
Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal are plotting a summer move for Fulham’s Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey as they prepare for the inaugural 2025 Club World Cup, Soccernet.ng understands.
According to reports, the Riyadh-based club, keen to strengthen their defensive ranks, has identified Bassey as a key target following a dip in form from their center-back pairing of Ali Al-Bulaihi and Kalidou Koulibaly.
With the competition set to feature 32 of the world’s best clubs, Al-Hilal are looking for reinforcements to ensure it can compete at the highest level.
To lure Nigerian international Calvin Bassey to Saudi Arabia, Africa Foot reported that Al-Hilal are prepared to offer a four-year contract with an optional fifth, along with an annual salary of €8 million.
However, securing Bassey’s signature won’t come cheap, as his contract with Fulham runs until June 2027, and he has a release clause set at €25 million.
