- Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has encouraged dual-national players to consider playing for Nigeria
- The Fulham star believes more first-generation players feel a strong connection to their roots and should embrace Nigeria
- With the 2026 World Cup qualifiers approaching, Nigeria hopes to convince more dual-national stars to join the Super Eagles
For years, Nigeria has faced an uphill battle in convincing elite talents born in England with Nigerian heritage to commit their international futures to the Super Eagles.
While some of Europe’s brightest young stars have Nigerian roots, many have chosen to represent England instead, leaving Nigeria to lament the loss of several high-profile names.
Bukayo Saka, Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori, Ebere Eze, Dominic Solanke, and Jacob Murphy are among the talented individuals who opted for the Three Lions over the West African giants.
However, a new era of dual-national players is emerging, with Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri being one of the most exciting prospects on the radar.
The 17-year-old made history in 2022 when he became the youngest player to feature in a Premier League match. Born in England to Nigerian parents, Nwaneri remains eligible to represent either country.
With reports suggesting that England may offer him a senior call-up in March, Nigerian international Calvin Bassey has made a passionate appeal to the teenager and others in a similar position.
Bassey, who was born in Italy to Nigerian parents and raised in England, faced the same dilemma before choosing to represent Nigeria in 2022.
Speaking to NBC Sports, the 24-year-old defender shared the factors behind his decision, emphasising his deep connection to Nigerian football and culture,
“I think it’s good. With us going back to our family roots, I think a lot more players have done it as well,” Bassey said.
The Fulham defender mentioned the impact of Nigerian football legends like Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, and John Obi Mikel, saying they played a crucial role in inspiring young players with Nigerian heritage,
“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 born in England to at least consider playing back home,” he added.
Bassey’s choice has already paid off, as he was instrumental in Nigeria’s journey to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final. He is now part of a growing list of dual-national players who have committed to Nigeria, including Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Nathan Tella, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
Lookman’s switch in 2022 stands out as one of Nigeria’s biggest recruitment successes. Since choosing the Super Eagles over England, he has emerged as one of Africa’s top footballers, winning the CAF African Footballer of the Year award after an outstanding season with Atalanta.
With Nigeria preparing for crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March, the national team is eager to strengthen its squad by persuading more dual-national stars like Nwaneri to commit to the cause.
With head coach Eric Chelle set to announce his squad for the upcoming qualifiers, Bassey remains a key figure in Nigeria’s defensive lineup. However, his words may carry even greater significance if they help convince the next generation of dual-national talents to follow his path.
Iwobi shines as Fulham extend unbeaten streak to 9 matches, celebrates with Nigerian delicacy
Previously, TheRadar reported that Premier League side Fulham delivered a resounding 4-1 victory over Watford at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night, January 9, to secure their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Nigerian international Alex Iwobi was at the heart of the action, as he displayed his creativity with several final third passes in midfield before being substituted in the 66th minute.
Post-match, Iwobi shared a glimpse of his celebratory mood by posting a video of himself preparing to enjoy fufu and egusi soup while singing a popular gospel song.
