Super Eagles: Calvin Bassey form poses intriguing squad hierarchy question for Chelle

Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey and winger Samuel Chukwueze left their imprint on Fulham’s 3-2 win away at Turf Moor on Saturday night. 

Fulham began with three Nigerians on the pitch,  Bassey anchoring the back line, Alex Iwobi operating between the lines, and Chukwueze stretching play from the left.

Emile Smith Rowe’s early opener gave Fulham control, but Burnley responded through Lesley Ugochukwu to level matters. The contest tilted again after the break when Bassey rose highest to power home a header, restoring Fulham’s advantage with the authority of a centre-back fully in command. 

Minutes later, Chukwueze displayed his current sharpness, supplying another decisive pass that Harry Wilson converted to extend the lead. It was the Nigerian winger’s latest telling contribution in a run that has steadily gathered momentum..

Super Eagles focus shifts to AFCON 2025 and the captaincy debate

Bassey, Chukwueze and Iwobi now head into Super Eagles duty with a friendly against Egypt in view, before the squad settles in Fez to begin their AFCON 2025 campaign.

Nigeria’s build-up has been shaped by questions of leadership (after the sudden retirement of William Troost-Ekong) as much as tactics, especially after recent changes within the squad hierarchy.

Traditionally, the captain’s armband has followed age and international mileage, which naturally places figures such as Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi at the front of the queue. However, in Bassey, a case can be made for a long-term presence on which a new generation can be anchored. 

Banger of a shot by Calvin Bassey vs Burnley pic.twitter.com/a6GJ1jFgPi

— Lewy (@Cineaste024) December 14, 2025

Still in his mid twenties, he brings availability, physical authority and a visible emotional investment that often sets the tone around him. Those qualities do not always announce themselves loudly, but they resonate in tournament football. However, even beyond the ambit of the AFCON, there is value in having stability in the leadership of the squad.

The likes Simon, Ndidi and Iwobi, with the most respect, are unlikely to be around much longer; the former two especially. With the squad already skewing younger with some of the more controversial additions like Salim Fago and Tochukwu Nnadi, making Bassey captain would be the ultimate acknowledgement of the impending generational shift.