AFCON: Bassey confident Nigeria will triumph

Nigeria defender Calvin Bassey is confident that the Super Eagles have matured enough to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

​The Fulham defender, in a chat with the club’s social media, stated that Nigeria has what it takes to make a positive impact in Morocco.

He noted that while he and many of his teammates were young during the last tournament, the squad is now far more mature.

“Yeah 100%. I think the last AFCON I was 23. I have matured and a lot of the team have matured and we have gained a lot of experience. So, it would be good for the team and Alex in different roles now, he is becoming more of the leadership role.”

Bassey played an integral role at the 2023 edition, where the team lost 2-1 to the hosts, Ivory Coast, in the final.

​Pitted in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda, the Super Eagles are fancied as one of the favorites to win the competition. The three-time champions will launch their campaign for another title against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars on Tuesday in the historic city of Fez.

​Three days later, it will be a “Battle of the Eagles” when the Super Eagles face the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia, one of their fierce North African rivals. Their final group match will see them square off against Uganda on December 30.