AFCON: Expect a positive Nigeria reaction against Ivory Coast – Calvin Bassey

By Saheed Afolabi

Nigeria international, Calvin Bassey has revealed his side will have a positive impact in their next Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) game against Ivory Coast in Abidjan on Thursday.

Equatorial Guinea almost ruined Nigeria’s fine start at the tournament with the Central Africans pulling off a stunning 1-1 draw from the opening meeting earlier on Tuesday.

And the former Ajax defender  downplayed the wasted chances against Equatorial Guinea and is pledging an improved and better performance against Ivory Coast.

“We can’t let our spirit die so soon, we have got to stay strong and trust in God and the process,” Bassey told Nigeriafootball.ng exclusively.

“It didn’t end how we want it, we didn’t get the three points but we just need to work harder and to be prepared for the next game.

“The manager picks the team, I respect the team well and I trust any of my teammates regardless if it’s my position. I trust them.

“We have every chance of qualifying for the next stage, we just have to believe and keep on doing what we have to do and trust in the coach and the players playing harder.

“I don’t feel any pressure, we created a lot of chances against Equatorial Guinea. We just need to make sure that next game, we take our chances.

“There’s going to be a reaction against Ivory Coast, everyone is going to be expecting a reaction and we are going to his the reaction by trusting God and the process.”

Bassey is in line to get his first minutes in AFCON as Nigeria take on Cote d’Ivoire in a must win game.