Chibuike Nwaiwu Replaces Injured Calvin Bassey for Nigeria's March Friendlies
In a significant squad update, Chibuike Nwaiwu of Trabzonspor has been named as the replacement for the injured Calvin Bassey in Nigeria's Super Eagles lineup for the upcoming March 2026 international friendlies. The announcement was made by Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe on Wednesday, confirming that Bassey, a defender for Fulham, has been ruled out due to injury.
Squad Updates and Training in Antalya
The official X account of the Super Eagles confirmed Nwaiwu's inclusion on Thursday, marking a key adjustment ahead of the matches. Meanwhile, the arrival of team captain Wilfred Ndidi on Thursday afternoon completed the expected player arrivals at the team's base in Antalya, Turkey. All 22 players participated in the first training session yesterday evening, with Bassey's absence confirmed due to his injury setback.
Head Coach Eric Chelle now has a full squad of 22 players to work with as he finalizes tactics and strategies for tomorrow's encounter against Iran. The team's preparation is in full swing, with a mix of experienced veterans and promising young talents available for selection.
Historical Context and Key Players
Nigeria and Iran have met only twice at the senior level previously. In January 1998, Ahmed Garba scored a second-half goal to secure a 1-0 victory for Nigeria in the Carlsberg Cup in Hong Kong. Their other encounter was a scoreless draw in Group F at the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Curitiba, Brazil.
For the current squad, Coach Chelle has a blend of seasoned players and newcomers. Notable experienced figures include Alex Iwobi with 96 caps and Moses Simon with 95 caps, alongside Wilfred Ndidi, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, and forwards Paul Onuachu and Samuel Chukwueze. Established players such as Ademola Lookman, Maduka Okoye, Semi Ajayi, and others are also part of the team, while newcomers like Emmanuel Oluwasegun Fernandez, Collins Yira Sor, and Philip Otele are making their debut appearances for the Super Eagles.
Match Schedule and Details
The Super Eagles will face Iran's Team Melli on Friday, with kickoff scheduled for 4:00 PM Turkey time (2:00 PM Nigeria time). Following that, they will take on the Jordan senior men's team on Tuesday, March 31, at 8:00 PM Turkey time (6:00 PM Nigeria time). These friendlies serve as crucial preparation for the team ahead of future competitions, with all eyes on how the squad adapts to the last-minute changes and integrates new talent.
