'It is what it is' - Super Eagles centre-back Bassey humbled by painful defeat to Leopards

Nigeria's painful penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday night left Calvin Bassey unusually quiet.

The Super Eagles will miss back-to-back Fifa World Cups for the first time since 1986 and 1990 following a 4-3 loss to the Leopards on penalties after both sides were level at the end of extra time.

In what was a difficult qualifying campaign for the Super Eagles, Bassey was the only player to feature in all twelve matches for Nigeria.

The Super Eagles gave themselves a lot of work to do in the World Cup qualifiers after collecting just three points from a possible twelve in their opening four matches.

Eric Chelle's men had opportunities to defeat the Leopards after taking an early lead through a deflected strike from Frank Onyeka in the third minute, but they failed to make their chances count.

Their missed opportunities proved costly as Meschack Elia's close-range finish in the 32nd minute restored parity, sending the match into extra time and ultimately to a penalty shootout.

Bassey, arguably the best player on parade for the Super Eagles, was Nigeria's first penalty taker in the shootout but ballooned his effort over the crossbar. 

When asked to reflect on his time in Morocco and the Super Eagles' experiences over the past year, from their challenges in Libya to the events of the last few days, Bassey said very little.

The left-footed centre-back told reporters in the mixed zone: "It was nice. A lot happened but it is just what it is".

Bassey will meet Democratic Republic of Congo midfielder Noah Sadiki once again on Saturday when Fulham take on Sunderland in the Premier League.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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