Rangers of Scotland left full back Calvin Ughelumba Bassey has been handed a first time call up to the senior national team of Nigeria for their back to back World Cup qualifiers game against Central Africa Republic (CAR).
He was the only new player in the list of players submitted by coach of the team Gernot Rohr and released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) yesterday for the games which will be played on the 7th and 10th of October respectively.
Bassey was born in Italy to Nigerian parents but moved to England at a very young age and it was there that he started his football career before progressing to Rangers of Scotland. He was signed for free from the U23s of Leicester City two summers ago.
Eligible to play for Italy, England and Nigeria, the player’s choice of Nigeria was inspired by his mother who raised him alongside three of his brothers after separating with their father.
“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”, an excited Bassey told Owngoalnigeria.com in a chat.
