“It’s a blessing” – Fulham’s Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi speak on their friendship and what it’s like to play for Nigeria

Marco Silva secured the signature of two Nigerian players last summer as Calvin joined Fulham from Ajax, while Iwobi joined from Everton.

Fulham and Super Eagles duo, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi have expressed how it feels like to don the colours of the Nigerian football team, Soccernet.ng reports.

The pair joined The Cottagers last summer and have been regular starters for the club, forming a great bond as close friends.

Speaking in an interview with BeIN Sports, the duo shared how their friendship started with Iwobi teaching Bassey how to sing the Nigerian national anthem.

“We spent a lot of time together, and we connected, and I had to teach him how to sing the national anthem, which he can just about sing now,” Iwobi said.

Bassey, 24, in response to Iwobi’s comments, praised the on and off-field actions of the former Arsenal midfielder.

“He’s just a good guy. He made me feel welcome and made me feel at home. It’s why I’m glad he’s here, not just the quality on the pitch, but how he is as a person, and it’s just so good to have a friend like him,” the former Ajax defender said.

Both players were selected to be a part of Jose Peseiro’s 25-man squad list that will be travelling to represent Nigeria, and they couldn’t hold back their thrill talking about what it feels like to play for the giants of Africa.

“It’s home, you’re not just representing your family, you’re representing the whole nation. It means a lot especially the culture that we grew up in. We could have chosen to go elsewhere, but we went home. It’s always an honour when you get called up and everyone sings the national anthem with so much pride, conviction and vim, and it’s a proud moment every time you get called up,” Iwobi said.

Calvin Bassey made his debut for Nigeria in the team’s goalless draw against Ghana in 2022 and is set to fill big shoes as he plays his first tournament for the Super Eagles, and for the defender, it’s a dream come true.

“For me it’s big, it’s a blessing you know. These are things you used to dream of when you were a kid. Big international tournaments, playing in the Premier League and living in it is just a blessing, and I just thank God, really,” the versatile defender added.

Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro has been a big fan of both players in the past, and without a doubt, the duo will be pivotal players in the tactical system of the Portuguese tactician.