While the debate over who will win the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, Calvin Bassey has already made his choice. The Super Eagles defender believes France will lift football’s biggest prize next summer. But beyond Bassey’s prediction lies a deeper reality: Nigeria’s players will be watching the tournament from afar after the Nigeria national football team failed to secure qualification. Bassey, speaking during a light-hearted session with teammates at Fulham FC, joined several players in backing France as favourites for the expanded 48-team tournament. His vote reflected the widespread belief that Didier Deschamps’ side possess arguably the deepest squad in international football. Led by Kylian Mbappé and supported by talents such as Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise, France head into the competition with both quality and experience. Yet Bassey’s prediction also highlights a painful contrast. At 26, the defender should be entering the prime years of his international career. Instead of preparing to face the world’s best on football’s biggest stage, he is discussing which nation is most likely to succeed there. The 2026 tournament will be particularly significant for France manager Didier Deschamps, who has announced that he will leave his post after the competition. The prospect of delivering a third World Cup title and a perfect farewell for their coach could provide extra motivation for Les Bleus. For Bassey, however, the World Cup will be a reminder of what might have been. As France chase glory across North America, one of Nigeria’s leading defenders will be left to watch, analyse and wonder how different the conversation could have been had the Super Eagles secured their place among the world’s elite. Post navigation Portugal’s Big Names, Nigeria’s Big Chance
