Eric Chelle backs Nigeria star for AFCON award | OneFootball

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Chelle tips Super Eagles player for top gong

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Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has thrown his weight behind Calvin Bassey to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) defender of the tournament award.

The 26-year-old stalwart has been a reliable figure in the heart of defence, featuring in all six matches the Super Eagles have played at the continental showpiece.

However, Bassey is set to miss the third-place match, as he picked up a second yellow card in the knockout stages against Morocco in the semi-final.

Though his absence is a huge blow, Chelle has tipped the Fulham center-back to clinch the top defensive gong at the tournament as he believes the player can be a top three defender in the world.

“Every game he was better than the last game, and his AFCON is crazy. He did a great job and for me if I have to choose the best centre-back in the AFCON, I will say Calvin Bassey,” said the French-Malian tactician.

"We have a deal together with Calvin - every game he has to improve, even when he's playing for Fulham because I want this guy at the end of next season to be among the best three centre-backs in the world.

"So, he tries everyday to improve. This is not only on the pitch now, he became a leader in the group, so I'm very happy and we have some young players - he takes care of them, so you have to continue. This is not easy, the football, because game after game you have to be the best.

Nigeria will square off against the record seven-time African champions Egypt at Stade Mohammed V Stadium, with the Bronze medal on the line.