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Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has disclosed that Lionel Messi’s goal against Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup in Russia was behind his decision to represent the senior national team at the international level.
Recall that the Inter Miami star netted the opening goal as Argentina defeated Nigeria 2-1 in the final group game of the competition.
Bassey, who made his Super Eagles debut against Ghana in a 2022 World Cup qualifier, has become an integral part of the team.
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He was also part of the squad that reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, where the Super Eagles narrowly lost 2-1 to Cote d’Voire.
Speaking with Sky Sports, the Fulham defender said that Messi’s magical moment against Nigeria convinced him to play for the Super Eagles.
“When Nigeria played Argentina, they lost 2-1, but it was a good game,” Bassey told Sky Sports. “Messi, of course—Messi is Messi, innit—he scored that outrageous goal. I think it was knee, left foot, then right foot. It was top.”
“But that was more of a motivation to me to want to play for Nigeria and also play on the big stage.”
