Fulham defender Calvin Bassey has sent a passionate message to young footballers of Nigerian descent, urging them to pick the Super Eagles over England—especially Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri.
For years, Nigeria has struggled to convince top English-born talents with Nigerian roots to wear the green and white. Big names like Bukayo Saka, Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori, Ebere Eze, Dominic Solanke, and Jacob Murphy have all snubbed Nigeria for the Three Lions. But Bassey believes that tide needs to change.
And at the heart of the latest international tug-of-war is 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, Arsenal’s prodigy who became the Premier League’s youngest-ever debutant in 2022. Born in England to Nigerian parents, the attacking midfielder is eligible to play for both nations— and England is already circling with a potential senior call-up in March.
However, Bassey, who made the same choice in 2022, has a message for him.
Speaking to NBC Sports, Bassey reflected on his own decision to choose Nigeria over England, citing pride, culture, and footballing heritage as key reasons.
“With us going back to our family roots, a lot more players are realizing the connection. Nigeria is a football powerhouse—Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, John Obi Mikel… legends! We grew up watching them and wanted to be part of that legacy.”
The Super Eagles’ rise on the international stage is also making the choice more attractive. Bassey played a key role in Nigeria’s AFCON 2023 silver-medal campaign, helping them qualify for the 2025 edition in Côte d’Ivoire.
Meanwhile, Nigeria has won some big battles in the dual-nationality war. Stars like Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, Nathan Tella, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru have pledged their futures to the Super Eagles. Lookman, who switched allegiance from England in 2022, is now the CAF African Footballer of the Year after a sensational run with Atalanta.
Bassey hopes Nwaneri and other young stars follow suit.
Beyond football, Bassey shared how much playing for Nigeria means to his family—especially his mom.
“When I was younger, my mom didn’t really watch football—except when Nigeria played at the World Cup. That was the only time she got engaged. So when I put on that Super Eagles jersey, I know she’s supporting like crazy!”
During AFCON 2023, his mother was in the stands, cheering louder than anyone.
“She thinks I can hear her, but I’m like, ‘Mom, there are 60,000 people in the stadium!’”
With Nigeria preparing for crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda (March 21) and Zimbabwe (March 25), the Super Eagles are looking to bolster their squad. The question remains: Will Nwaneri pick Nigeria? Bassey is hoping he does.