Super Eagles and Rangers defender, Calvin Bassey was disappointed not to be called up to the Super Eagles squad for the African Cup of Nations held in Cameroon early this year.
The Nigerian missed out on a place at the African Cup of Nations and had to watch on as the Super Eagles suffered an early exit as they were beaten at the last 16 stage by Tunisia.
Bassey was able to put that disappointment behind him as he ended the season at club level with Man of the Match performances in the Europa League and Scottish Cup finals.
AFCON qualifiers against Sierra Leone and São Tomé and Príncipe were the final outings of an incredible term for the defender who is now an integral part of José Peseiro’s plan for the Super Eagles.
Meanwhile, Bassey reckoned that being overlooked for international duty in January was a key point in his remarkable campaign that saw him rise to prominence with Rangers.
Bassey said: “I love being Nigerian. I think the culture is unique, the people are unique and we are a great nation.
“I was shocked [to get called up]. I couldn’t believe it. I just felt to privileged and blessed.
“I thank God every day because God is our strength. I just feel blessed and privileged to be here and to represent our great nation.
“Playing for Nigeria, I don’t think I can really put it into words. We have over 200 million people behind our backs every time we go onto that pitch.
“Just being able to be able to be one of the 25 players in the squad representing them is a dream come true. We have got important games coming up and I just want to help the team in any way I can.
“Obviously it was very disappointing [to miss AFCON] but I knew I just needed to work harder and try and up my game.
“I am guessing that is why I am here. Hopefully I have done that and caught the coaches’ eye.”
Bassey’s stunning form for Rangers has seen him linked with moves to the Premier League and the Ibrox board have placed a £25million valuation on his head this summer.
The 22-year-old excelled in centre-back and left-back berths for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side and he will have a key role to play in the coming campaign as Rangers bid to retain their Premiership title and prepare for a crack at the Champions League.
