Mum is the word behind Calvin call-up
Rangers defender Calvin Bassey has revealed he opted to play for Nigeria to make his mother proud.
The Ibrox defender was named in the ‘Super Eagles’ squad for the first time for their World Cup qualifiers this month.
They play the Central African Republic in Lagos on Thursday, before making the 1500-mile trip to Bangui for the return tie next Sunday.
On the first leg of the 3000-mile journey to the Nigerian capital, Bassey will have Light Blues team-mates, Leon Balogun and Joe Aribo, for company as they have also been called up by coach, Gernot Rohr.
21-year-old Bassey – who is also eligible to play for the land of his birth, Italy, and England – revealed he opted to play for the African nation out of respect for his mum.
He said: “My mother played a huge role in making me decide on playing for Nigeria.
“It has been her dream, and I am glad she is alive to see it come to pass.
“If all goes well, she will likely follow me to Nigeria to see me in the colours of the team she loves for the first time.”
And Nigeria coach Rohr admits he’s thrilled Bassey accepted the call-up.
He said: “I am so proud of Bassey, and happy that he chose Nigeria.
“That is why it is important to have him quickly because it is one of the last moments we can test new players.
“That is why he is in our list now.
“The last time he was in our list, he couldn’t come because of a positive Covid test. He was unlucky.
“Now it is October, and this is the right moment. He is the only new player we have invited to this squad.”
Nigeria go into the matches against the ‘ Wild Beasts’ on top of their group after beating Liberia at home, and Cape Verde away.