Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has opened up about the influence of faith and family in his matchday routine, revealing a heartfelt pre-game ritual that keeps him grounded before stepping onto the pitch, Footynaija.com reports.
The 25-year-old, who plays for Fulham FC in the English Premier League, says prayer and spiritual focus have become his core preparation before any big game.
In a recently shared video on Instagram, Bassey took fans inside his personal process, offering a rare glimpse into the mental and emotional habits that fuel his performances for both club and country.
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“I get up, I pray. Then, after prematch, I pray again. Call my mum, she does a prayer for me, my pastor, and just start to lock in, you know.”
The video, shared via Versus and Basseycollective on Instagram, shows Bassey speaking about how his prayers and the support of his mother and pastor help him “lock in” before kickoff.
Bassey’s emphasis on faith is not a new revelation to those who have followed his rise. After an impressive 2024/25 campaign in which he was named Fulham’s Player of the Season, the Nigerian international has consistently shown both mental toughness and humility.
His displays in the Premier League have drawn attention, with his calm ball-carrying style and ability to read the game placing him among league’s most consistent defenders.
In the video, Bassey also revealed that the toughest opponent he has faced is Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne.
“He drags you out of position,” Bassey said. “He’s just got everything.”
For a young man who represented Nigeria at AFCON 2023, and who now wears the Super Eagles shirt with pride, his growth off the pitch is beginning to mirror his performances on it.
