Eric Chelle has described Calvin Bassey as the best centre-back at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Bassey has featured in all of Nigeria’s games at the tournament in Morocco and has emerged as one of the Super Eagles’ standout performers, putting in a series of commanding defensive displays. The 26-year-old has anchored a defence that has recorded three straight clean sheets so far in the competition.
However, Bassey received his second yellow card of the tournament in the semi-final, which the Super Eagles lost to Morocco on penalties, ruling him out of Nigeria’s third-place playoff against Egypt.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the bronze medal match, Chelle said Bassey had been “crazy” throughout the AFCON, noting that the defender improved with each outing.
The coach also disclosed that he has an agreement with Bassey to ensure continuous development, adding that he wants the Fulham defender to rank among the world’s best centre-backs by the end of next season.
“Every game, he was better than the last game. This AFCON, he has been crazy. He did a great job,” Chelle said.
“For me, if I have to choose the best central back at AFCON, I will say Calvin Bassey. We have a deal together with Calvin that every game he has to improve. Playing for Nigeria or Fulham.
“Because I want this guy at the end of next season to be among the best centre-backs in the world. He try everyday to improve, not only on the pitch. He became a leader in the group.”
Nigeria will face Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, with kick-off scheduled for 5 pm Nigerian time.