By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Rangers defender Calvin Bassey has named former Nigeria player Austine Jay-Jay Okocha as his role model when he was growing up.
Bassey, 21, is enjoying his football under new manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
Under the former Arsenal defender, Bassey has played six straight matches for Rangers and now has aspirations of receiving a call up to Nigeria’s AFCON squad.
Bassey, who was eligible to play for Italy, Nigeria, or England at the international level but opted for the West African nation, revealed his hero was the former Bolton Wanderers wizard.
“There is no doubt we have plenty of quality in the national team. Joe Aribo plays with me and he knows what I can do,” Bassey said as quoted by Daily Record.
“I will bring energy and physicality to the Eagles’ defence and will also bring a bit of doggedness to African football.
“I know it will be physical, but I think that will play to my strengths. Growing up and watching the Super Eagles, Jay-Jay Okocha was my role model.
“He was so confident in the ball and that’s something I love to emulate. He was not scared to take on players and express himself and he was a joy to watch.”
