Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has praised Calvin Bassey’s leadership qualities after the Nigeria international was handed the captaincy at Fulham at the start of the new Premier League campaign.
Bassey’s appointment came as something of a surprise to some members of the Fulham squad, according to Iwobi, but the experienced midfielder believes his Nigeria teammate has quickly shown why he is capable of carrying the responsibility.
The 26-year-old defender has continued to establish himself as an important figure at Fulham following his consistent performances, and Iwobi says Bassey’s personality has also played a major role in his emergence as a leader.
“In fairness, nobody saw it coming but we’re happy for him because he’s very vocal and has a big personality,” Iwobi told journalists.
“Obviously, he is a good player and someone that always plays. We are happy for him because he is such a great player and great leader, he leads by example and also talks.”
For Iwobi, Bassey’s new responsibility has not changed the relationship between the two players. The pair already know each other well from their time together with the Super Eagles, and the Fulham midfielder insists their friendship remains exactly the same despite Bassey now wearing the captain’s armband.
“Calvin is the same person and I am still the same person. Even though he’s captain, we still have the same vibe, the same energy,” Iwobi added.
Bassey’s rise to the captaincy represents another step in his development since moving to Fulham. The defender has become a regular presence in the team and has continued to attract attention for his physical strength, defensive ability and willingness to take responsibility on the pitch.
Having a Nigerian teammate like Iwobi alongside him has also provided Bassey with someone familiar inside the Fulham dressing room.
While the captaincy has brought greater responsibility, Iwobi’s comments suggest that Bassey has not allowed the new role to affect his personality or relationship with his teammates.
Attention will now turn to international duty, where both players are expected to play important roles for Nigeria as the Super Eagles begin their campaign to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria face Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, before travelling to Guinea-Bissau for their second Group L qualifier on September 29.
The Super Eagles will be looking to make a strong start under head coach Éric Chelle, who has selected a squad containing a mixture of established internationals and players looking to strengthen their positions in the national team.
For Bassey, the international assignment provides another opportunity to demonstrate the leadership qualities that have earned him increased responsibility at club level.
Iwobi, meanwhile, has developed into one of Nigeria’s most experienced midfielders and recently joined the exclusive group of Super Eagles players to have made at least 100 appearances for the country. His experience will be valuable as Nigeria begin another qualifying campaign.
The midfielder also spoke positively about life under new Fulham manager Álvaro Arbeloa, saying the squad has responded well to the Spaniard’s tactical ideas even though the team’s performances have not yet produced the results they want.
“It’s been good. Everybody has been enjoying his tactics and ideas. Unfortunately, we haven’t had the results to show,” Iwobi said.
“I am enjoying my time with him. It’s a new challenge and he’s a good manager. It just takes time with the result.”
That patience will now be required as Fulham continue adapting to Arbeloa’s methods, while Bassey takes on a more prominent role within the dressing room.
For Nigeria, however, the immediate priority is the AFCON qualifying campaign.
The Super Eagles will hope their experienced players can set the tone against Madagascar, with Bassey potentially bringing the same leadership qualities that have impressed his Fulham teammate.
Iwobi’s description of Bassey as a player who “leads by example” is particularly significant. At club level, the defender has now been trusted with the captaincy. At international level, he remains part of a Nigeria squad seeking to build consistency and challenge for major honours.
Whether Bassey eventually becomes a long-term leadership figure for the Super Eagles remains to be seen. For now, though, his growing influence at Fulham has earned the recognition of one of his closest teammates.
And as Nigeria prepare for another AFCON qualifying journey, Iwobi will be hoping that the same Bassey who leads by example in England can bring that authority to the Super Eagles dressing room.
