Super Eagles coach Rohr delighted Glasgow Rangers defender chose Nigeria over England, Italy

Published: October 01, 2021

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr says he is delighted Glasgow Rangers defender Calvin Bassey has opted to represent Nigeria at international level.

Born in Aosta, Italy, the left-back also qualifies to wear the colours of European champions Italy as well as England where he grew up.

It was previously known that Bassey was a player of interest to the Nigeria Football Federation and Rohr has revealed that he was initially named on the roster for the World Cup qualifiers last month but left him out eventually after he tested positive for coronavirus.

With Porto fullback Zaidu Sanusi finding playing opportunities few and far between in the new season, Rohr has handed a maiden call-up to the Anglo-Italian-Nigerian youngster.

Rohr is showing faith in Bassey after only 23 games under his belt as a professional, including fourteen starts.

Speaking to ESPN's Colin Udoh, Rohr said : "I am so proud of him and happy that he chose Nigeria.

"That is why it is important to have him quickly because it is one of the last moments we can test new players. That is why he is in our list now."

Rohr added : "Last time he was in our list but he couldn't come because of a positive COVID test. He was unlucky.

"Now it is October and this is the right moment, he is the only new player we have invited."

Prior to handing Bassey a first senior call-up, Rohr had been scouring Europe for a left-footed central defender - with Jordan Torunarigha (Hertha Berlin) and Felix Uduokhai (Augsburg) his top two candidates for the position.

Left-footed Galatasaray loanee Valentine Ozornwafor did not get a look in because he has been inactive at club level since January 9, 2021.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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