Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has earned widespread praise from fans following Nigeria’s narrow defeat to host nation Morocco in the semifinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria were eliminated 4–2 on penalties after a tense 0–0 draw that stretched through 120 minutes on Wednesday. Despite the heartbreak, supporters singled out the Fulham defender as Nigeria’s standout performer, crediting him with keeping Morocco’s dangerous attack at bay.

Across social media, fans described Bassey as a “wall,” “rock,” and “beast,” with many insisting he deserved the Man of the Match award. Several users noted that he effectively neutralised Morocco’s attacking threats, including Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Díaz, helping the Super Eagles survive prolonged spells of pressure.

Bassey recorded an impressive 11 clearances, won six of nine ground duels and showed composure in distribution from the back as Nigeria resisted wave after wave of Moroccan attacks during regulation and extra time.

Many supporters also commended his resilience after receiving a controversial yellow card in the first half, which will rule him out of Nigeria’s third-place playoff against Egypt. Fans criticised the officiating while praising the defender for continuing to put his body on the line despite the booking.

Some supporters went as far as describing the performance as one of the finest individual displays by a centre-back in AFCON history, while others labelled Bassey the most consistent player in the Super Eagles squad throughout the tournament.

While acknowledging Morocco’s tactical superiority and dominance in attack — the hosts recorded 16 shots compared to Nigeria’s two — fans said Bassey’s individual brilliance, alongside key interventions from goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, was crucial in forcing the match to penalties.

In the shootout, Paul Onuachu and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru converted for Nigeria, but misses from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi sealed victory for Morocco.

Nigeria will now face Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday, while Morocco take on Senegal in Sunday’s AFCON 2025 final.