Super Eagles stars Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey have finally weighed in on one of Africa’s biggest food debates—pounded yam vs. jollof rice.
The Fulham duo recently revealed their favourite African dishes, and their choices have sparked conversations among fans.
Though Bassey was born in Italy and raised in England, and Iwobi moved from Lagos to England as a child, both players have fully embraced Nigerian culture since joining the national team.
They often speak with Nigerian accents, use local slang, and share a strong bond with their teammates.
Bassey and Iwobi before an EPL game for Fulham. (Photo Credit Imago)
Iwobi and Bassey’s Ultimate Food Picks
During a recent episode of Iwobi’s YouTube show, the two footballers discussed their go-to African meals.
“For reliability, I’ll go with pounded yam. Some people say jollof rice, but I say pounded yam,” Iwobi declared, emphasizing his love for the classic Nigerian dish, often paired with egusi soup.
Bassey, however, took a different stance, siding with the ever-popular jollof rice.
“For me, it has to be jollof rice. It’s the most popular African dish,” he said, defending his choice.
Their discussion has fuelled further debates among fans, as the rivalry between jollof rice and pounded yam remains a hot topic across the continent.
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Shifting Focus to World Cup Qualifiers
After Fulham’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Tottenham, Iwobi and Bassey will switch their focus to international duty, traveling to Nigeria for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
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Both players are expected to play crucial roles in new coach Eric Chelle’s squad as the Super Eagles aim to solidify their chances of qualifying.
