Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu has singled out Nigeria international Calvin Bassey for special praise after their shared experience at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports.
Both players were part of the Super Eagles squad at the tournament, but their journeys followed very different paths.
While Bassey was appearing at his second consecutive AFCON, Alebiosu was attending the competition for the first time, having been invited as cover for the injured Ola Aina.
Alebiosu made his international debut in Nigeria’s third group match, a 3-1 win over Uganda, but that proved to be his only appearance at the tournament after he picked up an injury that ruled him out of the remaining games.
Bassey, by contrast, went from strength to strength and featured in every Nigeria match except the third-place play-off victory against Egypt.
Strong, tough as nail, and reliable at the back, Bassey was a central part of Nigeria’s build-up play and defensive success as the Super Eagles kept clean sheets in all four of their knockout matches.
His performances were rewarded with a place in the official CAF Team of the Tournament, where he was one of only three Nigerians included alongside Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
Alebiosu said he felt privileged to share a dressing room and a football pitch with the Fulham defender and did not hide his admiration.
He told the Punch, “It was good playing with good players, playing with defenders like (Calvin) Bassey was great, I was blessed. Outside of football, it’s wonderful, it was brilliant to be back in the African roots and amazing to enjoy the culture.”
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Alebiosu in love with the AFCON
Although disappointed that injury stopped him from showing his full qualities, Alebiosu said he remains grateful for the experience.
Born and raised in England to Nigerian parents, the former Arsenal player also spoke warmly about the AFCON, reconnecting with his African roots and being part of the Super Eagles camp.
“The competition is brilliant, and obviously, I have seen from other AFCONs how things have been, so to be a part of this has obviously been a motivation to come back to the next AFCON and actually prove myself next time around,” Alebiosu revealed.
“It’s been a joy to come here and obviously be a part of this great team with all my brothers.
“Obviously, we came in wanting to win the tournament and not making the final was a bit disappointing, but I am happy with the bronze. It’s my first AFCON, my first international medal, and I will cherish it forever.”
Nigeria will not have long to wait for another chance, with the next AFCON scheduled for 2027 and set to be hosted by Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya.