Glasgow Rangers defender Calvin Bassey was the Man of the Match for the Super Eagles as he shone like a million stars against Mexico at the AT&T Stadium, in Arlington, Texas Sunday morning.
This was only his third appearance for the Eagles after he made his debut against the Black Stars of Ghana in a 2022 World Cup playoffs in Kumasi before he started against the same team in the reverse tie in Abuja all in March.
His performance against a top team like Mexico showed that the future of the country’s team is bright and assured as he staked a serious claim for starting XI spot whether at left back or in the heart of the defence with a five-star performance against a top team.
Bassey’s showing was no fluke as he was consistent throughout the season that he was named on the UEFA Europa League Team of the Season on the back of Rangers reaching the final of the competition.
His display in Texas brought back sweet memories of Celestine Babayaro and Benedict Iroha in a green-white-green jersey.
Even when the rest of Eagles were struggling to get their feet in the earlier part of the game, Bassey was in the world of his own defending stoutly and surging forward to join the attack.
Many that criticised him for the performance against Ghana in Abuja will now agree that was a blip.
It is obvious Bassey has come to stay in Eagles with his confidence on the ball, superb close control, great left foot, power, physical presence, pace, great crosses while also carrying out his primary role effectively.
Already at Rangers, he is considered ahead of Leon Balogun, one half of ‘The Oyinbo Wall’ of the Super Eagles, in central defence.
And at left back, FC Porto ace Zaidu Sanusi now has a huge battle in his hands.
It is therefore not surprising the Rangers Young Player of the Year has been linked with a record transfer away from the Scottish giants this summer.
What is certain is that Calvin Bassey has come to stay in the Super Eagles.
