World Cup play-off: Playing Calvin Bassey against Ghana could backfire – Ex-Nigeria star Ifeanyi Udeze

Former Nigeria defender Ifeanyi Udeze fears Calvin Bassey’s potential involvement in their game against the Black Stars could not materialize despite his fine form in Scotland.

The 22-year-old who has opted to represent the Super Eagles at the international level despite being eligible to play for Italy or England has been outstanding for Scottish giants, Rangers.

He is in line to make his debut for Nigeria when they take on Ghana in the 2022 World Cup play-off later this month.

But Ifeanyi Udeze has warned against fielding the player due to his lack of exposure on the African continent.

“Bassey has done well for his club in Scotland, but I still have my fears about playing him in the matches against Ghana because he has yet to play a match, friendly or official, against an African team,” Udeze argued.

“If he had played such a game, he will have the confidence to cope with African football, which is very different from what they play in Europe.”

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will play the Black Stars in a two-legged encounter with the winner of both legs securing qualification to the biggest soccer mundial in Qatar.

Ghana will play host to Nigeria on March 25, 2022 before the reverse fixture at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on March 29, 2022.