Nickel played his debut for his new club in the Cup of the Alps game in Porrentruy on 4 July 1981 as Basel were defeated 3–0 by French team FC Girondins de Bordeaux.

[6] Basel advanced to the final, on 29 September, against Sochaux, which ended with a two goal each draw after extra time.

[7] He played his domestic league debut for the club in the home game in the St. Jakob Stadium on 15 August as Basel won 2–0 against Aarau.

[9] Basel ended the season in 8th position in the league table and Nickel retired from active football.

[11] Born in Espelkamp, West Germany, Nickel played his youth football with local club 1.