NFF Confirms Super Eagles' Full Camp Attendance with Bassey's Withdrawal
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has issued a comprehensive update regarding the Super Eagles' preparations in Antalya, Turkey, ahead of their upcoming international friendly matches. According to the federation, all players invited by head coach Eric Chelle have successfully reported to camp, with the sole exception of defender Calvin Bassey, who has been forced to withdraw due to a back injury. This development leaves the squad with twenty-two available players for the fixtures.
Background and Venue Change for the Friendlies
These friendly encounters were organized by the NFF as a contingency plan following the unsuccessful petition to FIFA against DR Congo. Originally scheduled to take place in Amman, Jordan, the matches were relocated to Antalya, Turkey, due to security concerns arising from recent US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran and the subsequent escalation of tensions in the Middle East region.
The Super Eagles are set to participate in a four-nation invitational tournament, facing Iran on March 27, 2026, and Jordan on March 31. Both matches will be held at the Corendon Airlines Antalya Stadium, providing a neutral venue for the competitions.
Team Training and Player Availability
Head coach Eric Chelle had initially selected a twenty-three-man squad for these friendlies, notably excluding star forward Victor Osimhen even prior to his recent injury sustained during a club match. With Bassey's withdrawal, the team commenced its first training session on Wednesday under Chelle's supervision. Key players such as Alex Iwobi and Akor Adams were actively involved in the session, demonstrating the squad's readiness despite the absence.
Iranian Squad's Perspective and Motivation
On the opposing side, Iranian players have expressed strong anticipation for the match against Nigeria. Defender Hossein Abarghouei conveyed confidence, stating that the ongoing geopolitical situation in their homeland will not hinder their performance. He emphasized the importance of this friendly as a crucial step in their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing hope that a positive result would bring joy to the Iranian people amidst current challenges.
"Thank God, our training is progressing very well, and we have established a productive camp environment. I am optimistic that we can achieve favorable results against Nigeria and Costa Rica, thereby uplifting the spirits of our nation. This match represents a significant milestone on our journey to World Cup participation," Abarghouei remarked in an interview with Tasnim News Agency.
Teammate Omid Noorafkan added that the Iranian squad's physical condition has been steadily improving since their arrival in Turkey, despite facing difficulties in maintaining training routines back home. He expressed hope for an acceptable performance against the Super Eagles that would similarly contribute to national morale.
Tournament Schedule and Additional Context
In the broader tournament framework, Nigeria will confront Jordan in their second match, while Iran is slated to play against Costa Rica. The event also features an opening match between Jordan and Costa Rica, rounding out the competitive schedule.
In related football news, it has been previously reported that Nigerian striker Cyriel Dessers will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a setback to an injury that originally forced his withdrawal from the Africa Cup of Nations. Following unsuccessful conservative rehabilitation for a thigh injury, Dessers is now scheduled to undergo surgery, effectively concluding his campaign.
