“11 years ago, I had no club” – Watch Calvin Bassey’s heartfelt gratitude moment during the AFCON 2025

Super Eagles and Fulham defender Calvin Bassey was in high spirits, looking back at how far he'd come ahead of Nigeria's AFCON 2025 opener against Tanzania, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 25-year-old's mazy run played a role in Nigeria's opener against Tanzania. Ademola Lookman got the second, all of which were assisted by Bassey's club and national teammate, Alex Iwobi.

However, prior to the kick-off at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, Bassey and Iwobi were reflecting on the journey as footballers and how lucky they are to grace the AFCON stage, again.

Calvin Bassey's rise to the top

Bassey was born in Italy to Nigerian parents, but moved to England as a child. He grew up in Newham. His father, Kingsley, hails from Umunnamehi Ihiala in Anambra State, while his mother, Ebere, is from Oron in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

The former Ajax defender started his education at Rokeby School in London, and then his footballing journey at CrownPro Elite Football Academy before further developing his skills at CM Futsal Academy.

As he approached his mid-teens with no professional clubs knocking on the door, the defender came close to quitting football.

He's previously mentioned that he gave himself a year to sign for a professional club, and if that didn't happen, a football career was out of sight. Before the end of that year, he joined Leicester City's academy.

“I remember being 15 and going into my final year, and I told myself that if I didn’t get a professional club, I would quit football. It was that simple,” the former Rangers defender said.

“I would just stop pursuing it seriously and only play for fun. Thank God I eventually got a club, because I honestly don’t know where I would be otherwise.

“I would have played casually with my friends, but I wouldn’t have chased a career in it anymore.”

“Looking back, that moment was good for me. It felt like a make-or-break point, so I had to give everything I had. That’s the positive side of it,” he explained.

“I would have been at peace with myself either way, because at least I promised myself that I would give it everything, and if it didn’t work out, then so be it.”

AFCON Gratitude and friendship with Alex Iwobi

Ahead of Nigeria's AFCON Group C opener against Tanzania, Alex Iwobi was relishing the moment, stating how a stage like the Cup of Nations is where every African player dreams of playing.

Bassey, in the moment, was thankful for how his life turned around from being a kid who came close to quitting professional football to someone who's representing Nigeria in a second major tournament.

“You know, many people dream of being here, I actually thank God”, Iwobi said.

“I thank God, bro,” Bassey responded.

“I don't understand what God has done in my life. Moments like this, I just sit and look, and I just appreciate God because 10,11 years ago, I had no club.

“Now, I'm representing my National team, it's crazy. It's the biggest stage in Africa,” the former Ajax defender concluded.

“10, 11 years ago, I had no club…”

An emotional Bassey full of gratitude in Iwobi's matchday vlog. pic.twitter.com/XvHwY2Eoob

— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) December 25, 2025

Bassey has gone on to play over 220 games for club and country, including games in the SPFL, Eredivisie and the English Premier League, signifying his growth and resilient spirit.