Super Eagles defender, Calvin Bassey, has been hailed as Nigeria’s standout performer despite defeat to host Morocco in the semifinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday.
The Super Eagles fell 4–2 on penalties in a tense clash after a hard-fought 0–0 draw over 120 minutes.
While Nigerians lament the missed opportunity to reach the final, many supporters have rallied behind the Fulham defender, hailing him as the top performer and a key reason the match remained goalless.
Fans took to social media to describe Bassey as a “wall,” “beast,” “rock,” and a worthy “Man of the Match.”
On X, one user, @TikiAnaly, insisted the defender single-handedly kept Morocco’s star-studded attack, including Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Díaz, at bay.
“Calvin Bassey was a WALL even with the semifinal heartbreak vs Morocco. 11 clearances (no one dribbled past him) — that’s some MOTM-level heroics! Held off Hakimi, Diaz & co like a boss.
“Hold your head high, warrior! Nigeria is proud of you,” the user wrote.
In his appreciation post, @sportsdokitor thanked the Fulham player for putting his energy throughout the competition, saying, “I just want to say THANK YOU to Calvin Bassey. You didn’t put a foot wrong and were solid throughout the tournament.
“Even with a yellow card, Calvin Bassey defended and put his body on the line every damn time. He was Nigeria’s last line of defence, and he did a splendid job. This is appreciation post for you brother.”
Bassey’s defensive performance included 11 clearances, winning six of nine ground duels and distribution from the back, helping Nigeria withstand intense Moroccan pressure throughout regulation and extra time.
However, he picked up a controversial yellow card, which ruled him out of Nigeria’s third-place match against Egypt.
Another user, @007Supernerd, wrote, “Calvin Bassey is the best CB on the African continent, and it is not even close.
“Dropped one of the greatest individual centre-back performances in AFCON history in a semifinal, despite being booked (wrongly too) on 33 minutes. A beast. A warrior. A bison. The Calvin.”
@TheAjibolaGrey not only described Bassey as the best player in the game but also as Nigeria’s best defender.
“Calvin Bassey, thank you so much for your service. He was gallant, fearless and brilliant. Didn’t bow to pressure — best player on the field by far. This performance is the best ever for a Super Eagles defender.”
Another supporter, @tseun13, criticised the officiating while praising the defender, saying, “Morocco needs to name a street after Calvin Bassey. The guy tried.
“You can see that the referee’s performance today is 3/10. Very poor officiating from that useless Ghanaian referee. They need to investigate him. Well done to our Super Eagles; you truly made us proud.”
While expressing disappointment in Eagles’ performance compared to host, @SirJarus named Bassey, Nwabali, Bruno and Osayi as his top performers.
“We lost to tactical superiority. Morocco didn’t allow us play our game, and we didn’t get a Plan B. They should have finished off the game from the first half.
“Individual brilliance of Bassey (and to a good extent Nwabali and Bruno/Osayi) kept us in the game till the end. Our midfield and attack were effectively neutralised. The tactically superior team won.”
Another user, @donmacduff7, said: “Amidst the Chukwueze drama, Osimhen, Iwobi, Akor Adams and the rest who were held down by Morocco, Calvin Bassey stood unmoved.
“He is the most consistent man in the team.”
On Facebook, a user identified as Football Focus wrote: “No disrespect to Fulham FC, but Calvin Bassey is meant for a bigger club. Bassey should be playing for a Champions League team. What a player!
“He is the major reason Nigeria pushed this game against Morocco to penalties. Too solid.”
Disputing the yellow card shown to the defender, Norra Wilbor II wrote, “Brahim Diaz pulls Calvin Bassey’s jersey. The referee calls a foul for Morocco and gives Calvin Bassey a yellow card.
“Ghana is a mess — it’s over now, you guys are happy. How do you explain that the guy in white was the one who got penalised?”
Morocco dominated much of the attacking play in the semifinal, registering 16 shots to Nigeria’s two.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali also made key saves to keep the Super Eagles in the contest throughout the 120 minutes.
In the penalty shootout, Paul Onuachu and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru converted for Nigeria, but misses from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi handed Morocco the victory.
Nigeria will face Egypt in the third-place match at 5 p.m. on Saturday, while Morocco and Senegal will contest Sunday’s final for the AFCON 2025 crown.