Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has reiterated the readiness of the team to face the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Friday’s important 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying game in Uyo, www.aclsports.com reports.
The three-time AFCON champions, who are winless after the first two rounds of matches, need a win against Bafana Bafana on Friday night to get their campaign back on track and Bassey has spoken about the team’s readiness ahead of their AFCON semifinal rematch.
“Of course, you take confidence from it but at the same time, you cannot look down on them,” Bassey told NFF Media.
“I think we know how strong they were. The game went to penalties to show that we both pushed each other to the extent. We know what to expect from them and we are ready for that”
On playing in front of the home support in Uyo, the Fulham defender says it gives the team the confidence to approach a big game like this.
“That is always a confidence booster, to have our nation behind us and supporting us. It is always a boost for us and of course, we are looking forward to the games as well.”
The 24-year-old, who was a regular in Nigeria’s run to the AFCON final, believes the team still has more to give and hopes the side can secure all three points on Friday night.
“No. Everyone knows how good we are now, everyone doubted us at the AFCON and we were able to get to the final. I do not feel like we showed them all of what we have, and I think we still have more gears to go; we have a team that has been together for about two years and I think we are building something.
“Even though we are an experienced team, we are still a young team. We have to work on that and when we have the vital moments during the game, we take our chances. God willing, we come away with the three points,” Bassey concluded.
The big clash between Nigeria and South Africa in Uyo will kick off by 8pm on Friday.
