The Super Eagles camp in Antalya, Turkey, has reached full capacity following the arrival of team captain Wilfred Ndidi. Ndidi joins the squad in preparation for international friendlies against Iran and Jordan.
Ndidi’s arrival on Wednesday completed the list of expected players. All 22 invited players participated in the team’s first training session that evening.
Bassey Injury Forces Squad Change
The team will be without centre-back Calvin Bassey. Bassey has been ruled out of the matches due to injury.
Head Coach Eric Chelle will now work with the available squad. He is preparing for Friday’s clash against Iran.
Familiar Foes: Nigeria vs Iran
Nigeria and Iran have met twice at senior level. The Super Eagles have recorded one win and one draw.
Ahmed Garba scored the decisive goal in a 1998 encounter in Hong Kong. Their group stage meeting at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil ended goalless.
Squad Composition and Upcoming Matches
Chelle’s squad blends experienced players with emerging talents. Seasoned campaigners such as Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon, Wilfred Ndidi, Francis Uzoho, Paul Onuachu, and Samuel Chukwueze are expected to provide leadership.
Other regulars in the squad include Ademola Lookman, Maduka Okoye, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Raphael Onyedika. New entrants to the squad include defender Emmanuel Fernandez and forwards Collins Yira Sor and Philip Otele.
- Nigeria will face Iran at 4 p.m. Turkey time (2 p.m. Nigeria time) on Friday.
- They will then take on Jordan on Tuesday, March 31, at 8 p.m. Turkey time (6 p.m. Nigeria time).
Eric Chelle looks to integrate both seasoned players and new faces into the team for the upcoming friendlies.