When I sign contract abroad, I will build a church – Bassey

Bassey how did you start your football career?Although I am from Akwa Ibom State, I was born and bred in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State. So I started my football career in an amateur club called Vandeikya Rocks FC in Benue State.  I then moved to Busdor FC in Port-Harcourt. From Busdor, I joined […]

Bassey how did you start your football career?
Although I am from Akwa Ibom State, I was born and bred in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State. So I started my football career in an amateur club called Vandeikya Rocks FC in Benue State.  I then moved to Busdor FC in Port-Harcourt. From Busdor, I joined FC Abuja. It was from FC Abuja that I moved over to my present club, Lobi Stars.
Out of so many other games, why did you settle for football?
I chose football because it is as my calling. Right from when I was very small, I been playing it. I started on the streets of Makurdi and I continued when I entered school. When I completed my secondary school education, I decided to concentrate fully on playing football.
Did your parents encourage you to play football?
Initially, the encouragement was not enough. They wanted me to go to school. However, I was able to convince them that while playing football, I will be going to school. So even as I was going to school, I was still playing. After my secondary school, I said let me play football fully. Even as I am playing professional football, I still hope to further my education.
How happy are your parents with what you have achieved so far?
My parents are now happy to see me playing at this level. They are happy that I have got to this level and their prayer for me is that I should continue to go higher and higher. They are really proud of me.
Among the renowned football stars, who is your role model?
My role model is Brazil’s Marcelo. I like his surging runs and I try to play like him. Anytime he is playing, I watch him closely and also try to learn from him. He is a skilful defender.
Although you are a regular face in the camp of Home-based Eagles, you are yet to make any  final list. Are you in any way frustrated?
No! I am not frustrated. I can never be frustrated because God’s time is always the best. It is encouraging that coach Keshi has continued to show interest in me. I am not the best player in Nigeria but he believes in me. I am confident that my time will come. I cannot wait to represent my fatherland. I am waiting patiently.
When you started your career, did you imagine you would reach this height at this time?
Yeah, I knew I would play for Nigeria. I knew that with hard work and commitment, my talent will take me there. My dream is to play for Nigeria and I am trusting God that it will happen very soon.
What would you say you have gained by attending home-based Eagles camps?
I have gained a lot of experience which I always bring to bear on my club. As you are aware, Coach Keshi is a big coach. He is also assisted by former internationals like Dan Amokachie and Ike Shorumun. These are all good coaches and I have learnt a lot from them.
What is your happiest moment as a football player?
My happiest moment came when I scored that opening goal against Heartland in last year’s Federation Cup at the Teslim Balogun stadium. Although we did not go on to lift the trophy, the moment has remained special for me. And shortly after the finals, I was invited to the national camp. It added to my joy and that remains my best moment.
Was losing the finals your saddest moment?
I was sad but I cannot say it was my saddest moment. Getting to the finals was no small achievement. When we started, we least imagined ourselves playing in the final. It was by the special grace of God that we got to that level. He took us there but decided that it was not our time.
Now Lobi is only 90 minutes away from another final. Would you say this is the time?
We believe in God. By his special grace we shall beat Enyimba to qualify for the final and win the trophy. We cannot do it alone but we believe that with God on our side, we would be able to surmount Enyimba hurdle.
Are you in no way intimidated by Enyimba’s profile?
We are not intimidated because Lobi is one of the best clubs in Nigeria. We have also played continental football. Moreover, we are all playing in the same league and we know one another. This is not the first time we are playing them in this competition. We had beaten them in quarter finals and at the group stage before. This time too we shall beat them.
Unlike last season, Lobi is currently battling against relegation. What is responsible for the slide?
This is sports for you. You cannot be on top of your game every time. Sometimes, you win, draw or lose as the case may be. At the moment things are not going well with us but we are beginning to pick up. We have gone unbeaten for some matches now and this is to tell you that we are back.  I am sure that we shall get out of the relegation zone. I am assuring the true fans of Lobi that we are not going on relegation. Lobi is too big for relegation.
Would you say playing behind closed doors also contributed to Lobi’s present ordeal?
It was part of the problems we faced. We missed our fans. You see even when you are a good player, you do better when you have your fans behind you. You will be happy to be cheered up by your fans. For instance against 3SC, our fans came out in numbers to cheer us and we were motivated to do our best. We won the match.  We are therefore calling on the people of Benue State to always come out to cheer us to victory. The state government is doing its best but the fans must also play their part.
Lobi have lost and drawn matches at home. Which of the matches left you completely disappointed?
We lost to Kwara United and Bayelsa and drew against Enyimbb and El-kanemi but the one that pained me most was our loss to Bayelsa United. Although I was not there, when I heard the result, I was really sad. Imagine Bayelsa coming to beat us 4-3 in our home.
Most players’ dream is to play professional football abroad. Do you have a similar dream? Or is Lobi your final bus-stop?
Lobi cannot be my final bus-stop. I cannot play here forever. I have a deal at hand and any moment from now, I will leave. I am waiting for the call to come. It is within Africa. I am not going there for screening. I will be going for medical and I am trusting God that everything will work out well.
You are talking of playing professional football. If you sign a contract abroad, what is the first thing you will do with the money?
I will like to build a house of God. I will build a church for God. I love God so much and I will be grateful to him forever. I am alive today by his grace. He has blessed me in so many ways. I will definitely build a church.
To what extent has football touched your life? Are you a ‘big boy’?
I will say yes, I am a big boy and also comfortable. At least I can take care of my needs. I also assist my family whenever the need arises. I am not saying I have so much money but I am okay with what I have. I have not regret playing football.
What is it like working under Dominic Iorfa?. He is seen in some quarters as a highly controversial person.
The truth is that when we are very far from people, we won’t understand them. Most people don’t understand Mr. Dominic Iorfa because they have not bothered to come close to him. They have formed their opinions based on what they have been told by the same people who stay far from him. I have worked closely with him and I can tell you that he is a very nice man. Iorfa does not have a friend or brother. Whoever does what is right is his friend and brother. He does not discriminate. If you do the right thing, you will always be his best friend and brother. He is so passionate about football and Lobi Stars. Some of us know the personal sacrifices he has made to make Lobi one of the best clubs in the country. I have no regret knowing him and playing under him. I therefore encourage his critics to come closer to him and have a feel of his kindness.
And Lobi Stars have a new Chief Coach. How are you guys finding things under coach Ogenyi?
Yeah, Coach Evans Ogenyi is a big manager. He has handled many clubs. We are happy to work with him and I am sure he is feeling the same way.  He is a very nice man who is ready to take us along with him. He is going to help the club achieve its goals.