“He’s world class” – Fans hail Super Eagles star despite derby defeat to Celtic

Rangers fell to a home defeat against Celtic with their three Nigerian exports all on parade.

The best Nigerian in the game by assessment was Calvin Bassey with the defender showing a strong performance in the game.

Many Rangers fans and neutrals singled the 22-year old defender for praise and Nigerians said it was a complete reverse of what they saw him play against Ghana where he struggled all through.

Bassey had been a surprise starter at the left back position against Ghana in Abuja and failed to come to terms with the pressure of the game on the day. While he made some decent contributions on occasions, he was largely shaky and slow for large parts of the duel.

His return to the Rangers lineup against Celtic was however positive from an individual point of view, but his Gers side fell further behind their agelong rivals in the title race.

This is not the Calvin Bassey I saw against Ghana👀

— VICTOR (@thevictorukpai) April 3, 2022

Calvin Bassey looks pretty good at LB for Rangers

— Rusty Gorelick (@rusty_gorelick) April 3, 2022

If Calvin Bassey dropped one if them passes against Ghana.

Maybe just Maybe

— Adekanmbi (@pappiiv) April 3, 2022

Calvin Bassey the only pass mark, once again.

— Con (@cnrdwl) April 3, 2022

Gio was the wrong man for the job.

Calvin Bassey was superb.

Roofe can’t lead the line.

Aribo hasn’t kicked a ball since AFCON.

Defensively we were awful.

League is over.

— CAL (@CLMWSN_10) April 3, 2022

Take one positive, what a player Calvin bassey is. Gave absolutely everything for us today. Wish I could say the same for the rest

— Cal (@RfcCal) April 3, 2022

Calvin Bassey is playing fine for Rangers

— MoyosoreOluwa (@Jargozaza) April 3, 2022

If Calvin Bassey continues to develop,he will hold that LB spot in the Super Eagles for a long time. We now have a LB that can genuinely assist the attackers.

— Paul Edokpayi (@NigerianWave) April 3, 2022

did you watch calvin bassey today? the boy was immense and didn’t deserve to be on a losing side

— stuart (@10slayers) April 3, 2022

@CalvinBassey hold your head high young man, absolutely brilliant!!!

— Clarke Chambers (@clarkechambers) April 3, 2022

This Calvin Bassey is world class

— Leighton 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (@LeightonJ_) April 3, 2022

Bassey completed 93% of his 44 passes in the game and had 79 touches. He lost possession an abysmal 19 times in the game and won 6 of his 11 ground duels.

He also managed to complete only one of his nine crosses but completed four tackles.

Bassey was suspect going forward in the game as his crosses often met a brick wall in a deep-sitting Celtic backline but looked sharp in defending.