National Teams
“They call us ‘innit’ boys” – Calvin Bassey on foreign-born treatment in Super Eagles camp
By Monsurah Olatunji
Nigeria defender Calvin Bassey has opened up on his relationship with his national teammates.
Along with Fulham teammates Tosin Adarabioyo and Alex Iwobi, Bassey is one of Nigeria players to have been eligible to represent England, with Joe Aribo, Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman and Bright Osayi-Samuel all growing up in London.
Born in Italy to Nigerian parents and raised in England, the 23-year-old defender has revealed the compound nickname given to him and other players born and raised abroad.
“We spend a lot of time together, so the others in the squad call us the ‘Innit’ Boys,” he said in an interview with The Athletic.
“Even though most of us didn’t live there or grow up there (United Kingdom), a lot of our parents are first-generation immigrants so most of us have grown up in African households eating traditional food.
“Every time I land in Nigeria, I realize that football is like life for them — like it is in Brazil. We are like superstars.”
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