AFCON 2023: Super Eagles defender makes combined round of 16 XI

The Super Eagles star put up a solid performance for Nigeria in the round of 16, and he has been recognized for his brilliance

Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has been included in Whoscored’s Africa Cup of Nations team of the round, Soccernet.ng reports.

Bassey has been one of the best players for Nigeria and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in general. The Fulham man has been a constant fixture in Jose Peseiro’s lineup.

On Saturday, Bassey proved his prowess once again, putting in a brilliant shift in Nigeria’s three-man defence in their round of 16 fixture against Cameroon.

The 24-year-old registered 71 touches, 38 passes, four tackles, one shot, and one interception. The game eventually ended 2-0 in Nigeria’s favour.

Following his heroics with the team, Bassey has been included in Whoscored’s team of the week.

However, Bassey is the only Nigerian in the squad, as Ademola Lookman, who scored a brace against Cameroon, was snubbed. Instead, Angola’s Gelson Dala, South Africa’s Mabululu, and Cape Verde’s Ryan Mendes made the forward line.

Then, Fredy (Angola), Teboho Mokoena (South Africa), and Pape Matar Sarr(Senegal) complete the midfield.

In defence, Pico partners Bassey, and they will be flanked by Ibrahim Diakite(Guinea) and To Carneiro(Angola).

The quarter-finals of the AFCON will begin on Friday.