‘Why I Can Also Play As A Striker’ – Bassey

Super Eagles and Rangers defender Calvin Bassey has explained why he believes he can play as a striker if given the opportunity.

Bassey was drafted from his preferred left-back position into central defence at Rangers last season.

The youngster was outstanding in his makeshift position, as he helped Rangers to the Europa League final and also the Scottish Cup title.

And speaking on NFF TV, Bassey stated that he will play anywhere even as a striker if he is asked to by his coach.

“In terms of my preferred position for me I just like to play football. Wherever the manager puts me even as a striker, I’m going to go there and give everything I’ve got. 

“And sometimes it depends on what my coach wants from me, we’ve seen many players (James) Milner for example, they change his position sometimes he plays centre midfield, sometimes he plays on the left. It just depends who you are playing against and what the manager wants from you.”

Bassey got his first call up to the Super Eagles under former coach Gernot Rohr but never had the opportunity to play.

He eventually made his debut in the 2022 World Cup qualifying playoffs first leg game away to Ghana in March.

And reflecting on his first invitation to the Eagles, Bassey confessed that he was shocked.

“I was shocked, I couldn’t believe it,” he admitted. “I just felt so privileged and blessed. I thank God everyday because God is our strength. So I just feel blessed and privileged to be here and to represent my great nation.

“Playing for Nigeria, I don’t think I can put into words. We have over 200 million people behind our back everytime we go on to the pitch. And just being able to make the 25 players in the squad representing them is a dream come through. We’ve got important games coming up I just want to help the team anyway I can.”

And on his thoughts about the current crop of players in the Eagles: ”One thing you can never doubt with Nigeria is the talent, we have some of the top young talents in the world. We have Chukwueze, Osimhen.

“I know there is always high expectations because we always have talents in the Nigeria squad so we will take each game as they come.”