Bassey won't cry over spilt milk
by George Akpayen 28 December 2012, 20:23
Ezekiel Bassey has told supersport.com the circumstance surrounding his ejection from the Super Eagles' pre-Afcon camp in Abuja this month.
Nigeria head coach, Stephen Keshi sent the 20-year-old defender home for arriving late to the team's camp in Abuja.
But the Lobi Stars' left-back described his experience of being thrown out of the Nigerian pre-Africa Cup of Nations camp as "a sad one."
"It's a sad one for me. I never intended to arrive the camp late but I got the message very late on Monday (December 18) night to replace another player and on Tuesday I left Makurdi very early for Abuja. Unfortunately when I got to the camp the coach told me I came late. As a footballer, I always want to play for my country whenever I'm called up because it's an opportunity every Nigerian footballer will not want to miss.
"I want to say here that what happened was never intentional. I never intended it to happen that way and I apologise for it but I still want to say that the invitation came late and there was no way I could have left my base at the time it came. But I want to wish the team the best at the Nations Cup," said Bassey on Friday.
Bassey was called up to replace Heartland full-back, Kalu Orji, who opted out of Nigeria's pre-Afcon camp in Abuj owing to an injury.
The former Bussdor and FC Abuja man is now turning his focus to help Lobi Stars compete in the 2012/13 Premier League season and the Caf Confederation Cup.
"I'm putting the disappointment of the national team behind me and I want to work hard for my club in the league and the Confederation Cup next year. Hopefully if I put up good performances next year may be I will be considered again for the national team," said Bassey.
Last season, Bassey scored Lobi's goal in their 1-2 loss in the Cup final to Heartland in Lagos.
