Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has set his sights on keeping a clean sheet when Nigeria face Mozambique in the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria progressed from the group stage without recording a shutout, and the Fulham centre-back has identified defensive solidity as a key objective heading into the knockout phase.
The Super Eagles will take on the Mambas on Monday in Fez.
Speaking to journalists after the team’s final training session ahead of the encounter, Bassey stressed the importance of collective improvement at the back.
“We always want to keep a clean sheet, of course. It’s something me and Semi (Ajayi) talk about, us being the central defenders,” Bassey said.
“I think if you look at most of the games, it’s just little details. We are making sure that going into the next stage we don’t concede such types of goals.”
The former Rangers defender added that responsibility for defensive improvement extends beyond the backline.
“It’s a collective effort. We can do more about it, we can improve on it, and hopefully we get it right,” he concluded.
Nigeria will be aiming to combine defensive discipline with attacking efficiency as they seek a place in the quarterfinals of the competition.
