Calvin Bassey, a prominent player for Nigeria’s Super Eagles, shared his thoughts on the team’s preparation for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against South Africa.
Reflecting on their performance at the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where they successfully knocked out South Africa, Bassey highlighted the confidence boost this gives the team.
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However, he emphasized the importance of not underestimating their opponents. “We take confidence from it, but at the same time, you can’t look down on them,” Bassey noted, acknowledging the strength and resilience of the South African team.
The upcoming match will be held at home, in front of a potentially packed stadium, which Bassey believes will significantly impact the team’s performance.
“It’s always a confidence booster to have our nation behind us and supporting us,” he said. The home crowd’s support is expected to provide a morale boost and additional motivation for the Super Eagles as they strive for victory.
Currently, the Super Eagles are third in Group A, a position that Bassey admits is not fitting for one of Africa’s top teams.
Despite this, he remains optimistic, pointing out that the team hasn’t lost any games. He mentioned that their performance in the AFCON, where they reached the final, has silenced many doubters.
“Everyone knows how good we are now,” he asserted. Bassey is confident that the team, which has been building cohesion over the past two years, is poised to showcase their full potential.
The preparation for the upcoming matches has faced challenges, particularly due to the late arrival of some players.
Bassey acknowledged the frustration this caused but remained positive about the team’s readiness.
“It’s always annoying because you want to spend more time together… but we’ve been together for a long time, the manager knows every one of us well,” he explained.
Despite these setbacks, Bassey is confident that the team will adapt and prepare effectively for the crucial game against South Africa.
As the Super Eagles gear up for this important fixture, Bassey and his teammates are focused on delivering their best performance and securing a win, with the support of the home fans providing an extra edge.
