In an interview for NBC Sports’ By Way of Africa series, Calvin Bassey talks about the deep connection he feels with the Super Eagles and to his Nigerian roots, what he’s learned from his time with Fulham, and the significance of being an African player in the Premier League
What was it like growing up in an African home in London?
Yeah, it was funny. There were two different sets of rules — one for outside and one in the home. I think my mom thought Nigeria was in the house and that outside the house was the UK. There was a big difference, but it was alright. Now, she’s got grandkids by my brother, so she’s a bit softer and she understands it more. But I think it was good to have the contrast. When I eventually came to play for Nigeria, I was used to certain things, like the food. So when I went back to Nigeria, it wasn’t a big shock or difference to me.
Can you talk about the Nigerian culture in London?
Yeah, it seems like there’s a big Nigerian culture everywhere I go! It’s nice! We all go through sort of similar experiences. My friends are all first-generation in England. We’re all living in this sort of bubble together, with this difference at home and difference outside.
How did your environment help your journey as a professional footballer?
My mom always spoke about hard work. She (emphasised) that nothing’s handed to you — you have to go and get it, and you have to work hard. You have to be focused. In the environment in general, I’ve seen a lot of people — friends and associates — who chose the wrong path. That deterred me from doing those things. I didn’t want to be another statistic. I didn’t want to be like them. I wanted more for myself. I had seen what had happened to some of my older brother’s friends. I just had to make better decisions for myself. Football really shielded me from that. It kept me distracted and busy. Football instilled in me more respect, dedication, and hard work. Those (experiences), together, made me the person I am today.
You chose to represent Nigeria out of three countries because you were inspired by watching Lionel Messi against Nigeria in the 2018 World Cup. Can you talk about that moment and why it ignited your dream?
I think it was just seeing the greatest player to ever play, playing against my team. (Nigeria) lost 2-1. I think one of my teammates that I played with, Kenneth Omeruo, played that game. Just watching that game, I wanted to be in that position. I know how big of a nation Nigeria is and how much pride comes with playing for them. I just worked hard. When I got the opportunity, I didn’t take time (to decide). I just knew that I wanted to play for Nigeria.
Can you share what it means to be part of the London-raised Eagles group?
I think it’s good. With us going back to our family roots, I think a lot more players have done it as well. I feel like because most of us were first-generation, we really feel connected to our Nigerian roots. We know how big of a country it is and how big they are in football, with some of the Nigerian stars that came through — Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, John Obi Mikel. There are so many stars. For us, we looked up to these guys, and we wanted to be part of it. It’s a nice feeling. Hopefully, we inspire more boys who are born in England to at least consider playing back home.
What does playing for the Super Eagles mean to you and to your family?
It’s massive. When I was younger, my mom didn’t really watch football unless it was the World Cup. That’s the only thing she was engaged in because Nigeria was involved. So seeing that I just know when I’m on that pitch playing for Nigeria, she’s supporting like crazy. I remember when she came to the African Cup of Nations (in Ivory Coast), obviously, I couldn’t see her, but my friend was there along with my mom and my agent, and they sent me videos. My mom’s passion is just crazy. She’s just screaming! She thinks I can hear her, and I’m like “I can’t hear it Mom, there’s like 60,000 people in the stadium!” But it’s nice, and that just fuels me to want to do more. I know all my family in Nigeria is watching as well. It’s a different type of feeling — you can’t really put it into words.
What has your time with Fulham meant to you?
My time’s been alright. We’ve got some good guys — funny guys. It’s a nice club. I think everyone’s nice. It’s a nice team. It’s a club that’s growing, which I like. It’s good to be part of it. The manager (Marco Silva) is very ambitious. I wouldn’t say I’ve learned anything particularly new, but I feel like the manager himself has emphasized being a family — being together — and he’s just made it more and more important, making us value it more. You can say I’ve learned this, but I think I’ve always been like that. The manager doesn’t treat anyone more special than anyone else. The way he says hello to the players, he says hello to the chefs. You respect everyone the same way. I look at that, and I think I have to be like that too.
What does it mean to you to continue that legacy of Nigerian players in the Premier League?
The talent that comes from Nigeria is unbelievable! I believe our team is very (strong), but to be part of the group of Nigerian players who’ve played in the Premier League, it’s a blessing. There are things you’ve dreamt about as a kid, and to be here… sometimes it’s surreal when I see a kid with my shirt on, with my name on the back of it. It still feels like, “Wow, that’s actually me.” It’s crazy, but it’s nice.
Can you talk about why being responsible for the family back home is so important to you?
I think it’s important. Some of us are closer to our families back home, and some of us are not. As a footballer, you get so much given to you and this is just my belief, but you can’t just keep taking and taking. You’ve got to give something back. That’s just my way of giving back. That’s just what I believe in. There’s no hiding away from it — we’re in a privileged position to be where we are, so we need to be able to help the ones we can help, whether that’s family or loved ones. Charity is the best thing you could do.
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