Exclusive: Calvin Bassey Opens Up on Marco Silva’s Leadership and Fulham’s Europe Ambitions

Nigeria defender Calvin Bassey has been lighting up the pitch for Fulham with inspirational displays that have earned him man-of-the-match accolades and forged an excellent on-field and off-field partnership with fellow Nigerian Alex Iwobi. 

Two years into his four-year deal, his steady rise and dynamic performances have quickly made him a standout figure for both the Cottagers and Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

In an exclusive interview with SportsBoom.com, Calvin Bassey reflects on the honour of continuing Nigeria’s Premier League legacy, his enriching experience at Fulham, and his cautious optimism about European ambitions; and many more. 

Carrying a Proud Legacy

With a rich history of Nigerian players who’ve left an indelible mark in the Premier League; names like Kanu Nwankwo, Yakubu, and Jay-Jay Okocha, who is also Alex Iwobi's cousin, echoing through time, the legacy carries immense significance. 

When asked on what it means to him to continue that legacy, Bassey responded about the unbelievable talent coming out from the country, and also about the strength of the team.

"The talent that’s come from Nigeria is unbelievable! I believe our team is very strong, but to be part of the group of Nigerian players who’ve played in the Premier League, it’s a blessing."

He further spoke about it being a dream coming to reality.

"There are things you’ve dreamt about as a kid, and to be here... sometimes it’s surreal when I see a kid with my shirt on, with my name on the back of it. It still feels like, 'Wow, that’s actually me.' It’s crazy, but it’s nice," Bassey told SportsBoom.com. 

Life at Fulham: A True Family Affair

Reflecting on his time at Fulham, Bassey shared insights into the club’s welcoming environment and the lessons he’s gleaned from its culture in his time at the club so far, he remarked:

"My time’s been alright. We’ve got some good guys, funny guys. It’s a nice club. I think everyone’s nice. It’s a nice team. It’s a club that’s growing, which I like. It’s good to be part of it. The manager, Marco Silva, is very ambitious."

"I wouldn’t say I’ve learned anything particularly new, but I feel like the manager himself has emphasised being a family; being together and he’s just made it more and more important, making us value it more."

"You can say I’ve learnt this, but I think I’ve always been like that. The manager doesn’t treat anyone more special than anyone else."

"The way he says hello to the players, he says hello to the chefs. You respect everyone the same way. I look at that, and I think I have to be like that, too."

Eyes on Europe: Measured Ambitions

With Fulham enjoying an impressive season, currently just two points off European qualification spots, Bassey's optimism remains tempered by pragmatism. Asked about the club's chances of sneaking into Europe, he stated: 

"We don't want to get ahead of ourselves, so we take each game as it comes."

"It's been an amazing season. We're just taking each game as it comes."

"I want to help Fulham finish as high up the EPL table, as much as possible, by being a rock at the back and contributing decisively on the pitch."

"So far, I've ticked off establishing myself as a key player in our setup and helping to build an incredible team spirit under Marco Silva's leadership."

"However, there’s still work to be done. We need to tighten our defensive performances and convert more opportunities into wins. Each match is a new opportunity to check off another objective, and I’m committed to that journey, one game at a time."