The Super Eagles camp in Antalya, Turkey, is now officially in full gear following the arrival of captain Wilfred Ndidi on Wednesday afternoon, bringing the total number of players to 22. The team held its first full training session at the Antalya Stadium later that evening as they prepare for a double-header of international friendlies.
The squad faces a significant defensive setback, however, as Calvin Bassey has been forced to withdraw from the camp. The Fulham centre-back sustained a back injury while on club duty, leaving head coach Eric Chelle to adjust his tactical plans just 48 hours before the first match. In his absence, the technical crew will likely look to the experienced Semi Ajayi or the newly invited Igoh Ogbu to anchor the defense.
These matches serve as a critical rebuilding phase for the Super Eagles following their 2026 World Cup qualification heartbreak. The first test comes against Iran tomorrow, Friday, March 27, with kick-off scheduled for 4:00 PM Nigerian time (6:00 PM local Turkish time). The team will then conclude their Turkey outing against Jordan on Tuesday, March 31, at 6:00 PM Nigerian time.
With Victor Osimhen also sidelined, the spotlight shifts to in-form strikers like Paul Onuachu, who is currently dominating the Turkish league, and new faces like Philip Otele and Yira Sor, who are eager to make their mark on the international stage.
