Nigeria defender Bassey backed to fill Troost-Ekong’s void

Former Senegal international Mamadou Niang has singled out Nigeria defender Calvin Bassey as the best player to fill the void left by retired William Troost-Ekong in the Super Eagles set up.

Ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, Troost-Ekong, who was the Super Eagles captain, announced his retirement from international football, bringing to an end a distinguished decade with the side.

His retirement marked the end of an era for Nigeria — a decade in which Troost-Ekong became not only a captain, but a symbol of pride, perseverance and national identity. It further left Nigeria without a trusted leader heading into future assignments.

However, according to Niang, Bassey has all the ingredients to succeed Troost-Ekong at the AFCON in Morocco.

Nigeria will face Tanzania in AFCON opener

“With what I see at Fulham, the impact he has in Premier League matches, he is a talented, tough defender who has very good distribution with his left foot, and athletic quality which is above average,” Niang told Canal+.

“He is a player I think is a leader of the Nigeria defence, who can replace Troost-Ekong, who took this Nigerian team to the AFCON final.

“Calvin Bassey is more than capable of succeeding him in that position.”

In Morocco, Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Tanzana, Tunisia, and Uganda. They will start their campaign against Taifa Stars on December 23 at Fez Stadium.