Former Senegal international Mamadou Niang believes Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey is capable of stepping into the void left by the retired William Troost-Ekong at the centre of defence, SportPremi reports.
The Super Eagles hopes of winning the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco suffered a big blow when Troost-Ekong announced his shock retirement from international football few weeks to the commencement of the tournament.
The former Watford defender guided Nigeria to the final of the 2023 edition, where they suffered a 2-1 defeat to host nation Ivory Coast, but was named the player of the tournament for his inspiring performances.
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The decision to retire robs head coach Eric Chelle of experience and quality in defense, with exciting young defender Benjamin Fredrick also ruled out of the tournament having picked up a knee injury in training last month.
Ekong made over 70 competitive appearances for the national team and his departure has left a huge boot to fill in the backline.
Niang backs Bassey to fill in for Ekong
Ex-Senegal forward Mamadou Niang, who featured at four consecutive editions of the African Cup of Nations with the Lions of Teranga between 2004 and 2012, has backed Calvin Bassey to step up in defense for Nigeria.
The Fulham defender has made over 30 appearances for the Super Eagles across the defense, featuring at center-back and at the fullback positions.
He also played every minute of the country’s qualifying campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting his availability and importance to the team.
“With what I see at Fulham, the impact he has in Premier League matches, he is a talented, tough defender who has very good distribution with his left foot, and athletic quality which is above average”, Niang admitted.
“He is a player I think is a leader of the Nigeria defence, who can replace Troost-Ekong, who took this Nigerian team to the Afcon final. Calvin Bassey is more than capable of succeeding him in that position.”
How will Nigeria cope without Troost-Ekong at the 2025 AFCON?
Nigeria head into the African Cup of Nations in the next few days without their most experienced defender, who retired in the buildup to the tournament.
Benjamin Fredrick would have been the obvious replacement in the lineup to partner Calvin Bassey, but the 20-year-old will also miss the tournament with a knee injury.
The most likely option to come into the starting lineup is Hull City’s Semi Ajayi or Ryan Alebiosu, who earned a first-ever call-up when he was included in the preliminary squad for the tournament.
Whatever center-back pairing Eric Chelle decides on, more responsibility will fall on Bassey to lead the line and fill the huge void left by Troost-Ekong.
