Kick jolts Super Eagles as Ndidi completes camp, Bassey ruled out
The Super Eagles suffered a late kick to their preparation as Wilfred Ndidi’s arrival completed the Turkey camp while centre-back Calvin Bassey was ruled out of the upcoming friendlies through injury. Chibuike Nwaiwu has been named as Bassey’s replacement, and all 22 invited players took part in the squad’s first training session in Antalya as Head Coach Eric Chelle plots tactics for the Iran and Jordan matches. The team now turns fully to match preparation ahead of Friday’s game with Iran and the March 31 friendly with Jordan.
Kick: squad update and immediate changes
Chibuike Nwaiwu of Trabzonspor has been called into the squad following Bassey’s withdrawal. Promise Efoghe, Super Eagles media officer, announced the injury that prevented the Fulham defender from joining the camp and confirmed Nwaiwu’s inclusion. “Injury has knocked out Fulham defender, Bassey, ” Promise Efoghe said.
Wilfred Ndidi’s arrival completed the list of expected players in Antalya, with the entire 22-strong group moving straight into the first team training session. Head Coach Eric Chelle will work with the available personnel as he finalizes his starting plans for the forthcoming friendlies. The squad blends established internationals and fresh faces: Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon, Wilfred Ndidi, Francis Uzoho, Paul Onuachu and Samuel Chukwueze provide experience, while Emmanuel Fernandez, Collins Yira Sor and Philip Otele are among the new entrants stepping up into the senior environment.
Iran and Jordan friendlies — history and lineup focus
The Super Eagles meet Iran this Friday in the first of two warm-up fixtures, followed by the match with Jordan on March 31. Nigeria and Iran have met twice at senior level: one Nigerian victory and one draw. Ahmed Garba scored the decisive goal in the 1998 Carlsberg Cup encounter in Hong Kong, and the teams played out a goalless draw at the 2014 World Cup group stage. Coach Chelle’s immediate task is to marry the squad’s mix of seasoned campaigners and newcomers into a coherent unit for both matches.
Defensive adjustments will be under close scrutiny after Bassey’s absence, while midfield leadership from Ndidi and creative responsibility from the attacking core remain central to Chelle’s plans. Regulars including Ademola Lookman, Maduka Okoye, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika are available to anchor the team’s setup for the friendlies.
What happens next
With the camp now complete and the 22 players training together, the immediate focus is on tactical drills and final lineup decisions ahead of Friday’s clash with Iran and the March 31 fixture versus Jordan. Coach Eric Chelle will name his matchday plans from the assembled group and monitor fitness closely after Bassey’s withdrawal; any further adjustments are likely to be made from within the current squad. Expect official team selections and match-day roles to be announced in the lead-up to the first fixture, with attention fixed on how the squad absorbs the late kick and adapts in Antalya.
