Super Eagles and Fulham defender Calvin Chinedu Bassey was seen in the stands alongside a girl during Nigeria's AFCON 2025 third-place fixture against Egypt, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 26-year-old was one of Nigeria's best performers in Morocco, completing more passes than any other outfield player in Eric Chelle's setup.
However, an accumulation of yellow cards saw the former Ajax defender miss Nigeria's triumph against the Pharaohs in Casablanca.
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Calvin Bassey supports Super Eagles ‘new girlfriend’
The Italy-born Nigerian was seen cheering his teammates on as they emerged winners after a frantic penalty shoot-out that saw Stanley Nwabali deny Mo Salah and Omar Marmoush from twelve yards.
Bassey was seen alongside Ugandan-British supermodel Eva Apio. The British lady isn't new to the Nigerian space, as she's been seen with several celebrities like Asake and Rema.
Asake and Eva Apio pic.twitter.com/RGjio3RTSd
— @ (@OneJoblessBoy) March 7, 2025
After a post on social media went viral about Bassey supporting Nigeria with his girlfriend beside him, Eva was quick to shut down the rumours before they went overboard.
Calvin Bassey Supporting the Rest of the Team from the stand, with his New Girlfriend Eva Apio. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/b4l1h3bdVs
— OBA (@obaoriade) January 17, 2026
She claimed she'd known Bassey since they were teenagers in Newham, around the time the youngster had just joined the Leicester City academy.
Maintain down. We’ve been friends since 16 years old. Newham kids who made It out https://t.co/CWL3ugbKj3 pic.twitter.com/TYvzJUhbPq
— Evss (@evssofficial_) January 17, 2026
According to her, she was just there to support Nigeria and her long-term friend, with no strings attached.
However, it wouldn't be surprising that Nigerians will still push for a love story between those two, despite her clarification.
Bassey also chimed in on social media to quell the news, commenting, “she's my sister”.
