Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has described Nigeria’s 2-2 draw against Poland as a positive outing despite the disappointment of conceding late goals in both halves.
Reacting after the friendly encounter, the Fulham F.C. defender explained that the game provided valuable playing time for several members of the squad.
“It was a good outing overall for the team,” Bassey said.
According to the Super Eagles defender, some players had limited time to properly train together before the match but still managed to deliver a strong performance.
“A few players did not have enough sessions together, but we still played well,” he implied.
Bassey also highlighted the absence of several important players within the squad but praised the team for competing strongly regardless.
“We were missing some key players, but the team still performed well,” he noted.
The defender admitted the late goals conceded ultimately affected Nigeria’s chances of securing victory against the Polish side.
“The late goals made it difficult for us to win,” he added.
Despite the result, Bassey stressed that the Super Eagles will continue working hard to improve in key areas ahead of future fixtures.
“We will keep improving as a team,” he stressed.
Nigeria remains unbeaten in normal time under coach Eric Chelle as the team continues adapting to new tactical ideas and player combinations.
“There are still many positives to build on,” many football observers believe.
The Super Eagles continue preparing for upcoming international matches with growing competition across the squad.
“The team is gradually becoming more balanced and competitive,” supporters continue to say.
For Calvin Bassey, the message is clear.
The Poland match offered valuable lessons.
The team showed positive signs despite missing players.
And improvement remains the priority moving forward.
Because strong teams continue learning and evolving through difficult matches and challenges.
Ahead of the 2026/2027 NNL season, teams have intensified preparations with the recruitments of new players and officials, as well as, engaging in trial games.
Lagos based NNL side Smart City Football Club, are leaving no stones unturned as it has doubled up its preparations to ensure it gets the much desired ticket to the topmost cadre of Nigerian football, Nigeria Premier Football League.
Speaking exclusively with Sports Chronicle Magazine, Abiodun Obafemi, who is the sporting director of Smart City FC, disclosed that the team is well prepared and better motivated ahead of the season’s task.
“We’re presently done with recruitments, we rounded up everything last week. So, we’re basically in the last phase of our preparations, with grade A friendly games lined up,” he disclosed.
Speaking on the targets of the management, Abiodun Obafemi, MON and a 1996 Olympic games gold medalist, said, “the target of all, including coaches, players and the leadership of team, of course, is to pick the sole NPFL ticket in our group.”
“We don’t just want to talk the talk, we want to do it this time around to make amend for the near misses of the last two seasons,” the former Super Eagles and Stationery Stores defender was full of praises for the management of the team for its commitment to the welfare and improvement of the team, ahead of the new football league season.
“In terms of motivation, the management has usual, has done their bit. And I can say that no Smart City player or official is being own a dime.
“Muchmore, there has been additional provisions of quality training materials, as well as, world class and modern football equipment,” he remarked gleefully.
“In my roles as a senior executive of the club, I remain committed to the development of the club, as well as, ensuring that all the units of the team, functions at their best to meet our seasonal goals. And our main objective this season, is promotion to the NPFL, which is long overdue,” he added.
Smart City FC have been placed in group B, and are expected to competed for the sole ticket to the NPFL, against other teams in the group, including, Beyond Limits FC, Ekiti United, Solution FC, Akwa United, Dokkal Khairu, Abakaliki FC, Bayelsa United and Right2Win FC.
Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc alhas received its RecapitalisationCertificate from the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), marking a significant milestone in the Company’s ongoing growth and transformation journey.
The certificate, issued following the Company’s successful compliance with the recapitalisation requirements of the National Insurance Commission, further reinforces Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc’s financial capacity, operational resilience and commitment to delivering sustainable value to its policyholders and other stakeholders.
Speaking on the development, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Dr. Lucas Durojaiye, expressed delight at the milestone, describing it as a testament to the Company’s resilience, strategic focus and the confidence of its stakeholders.
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The recapitalisation milestone also underscores STI’s commitment to supporting the development of Nigeria’s insurance industry by maintaining strong corporate governance, improving operational efficiency and providing innovative insurance solutions that respond to the evolving needs of individuals, businesses and institutions.
With the certification, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc is poised to further leverage its strengthened capital base to pursue strategic growth opportunities, enhance its underwriting capacity and reinforce its position as a trusted partner in risk management.
The Company appreciates its shareholders, Board of Directors, management, staff, regulators, business partners, brokers, agents, customers and other stakeholders for their continued confidence and support throughout the recapitalization process.