International exhibitions: Bassey suffers setback as Super Eagles reunite in Turkey

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Nigeria defender Calvin Bassey has withdrawn from the squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Iran and Jordan due to a back injury, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

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The Super Eagles camp opened on Tuesday in Antalya, Turkey, with 15 players arriving initially, while more joined on Wednesday morning, including captain Wilfred Ndidi, completing the squad.

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Bassey’s withdrawal was confirmed following the arrival of the remaining players at the team’s base at the Bellis Deluxe Hotel in Antalya.

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“Calvin Bassey has withdrawn from the Nigeria national football team squad for the upcoming friendlies against Iran and Jordan due to a back injury,” the team announced.

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An advance delegation that departed Nigeria on Monday had already laid the groundwork for a smooth camping exercise. The group included assistant coaches Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu, alongside medical staff and the kit manager.

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Providing an update on Tuesday evening, Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe confirmed that 15 players had reported to camp.

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The early arrivals included midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Alex Iwobi; defenders Emmanuel Fernandez, Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi and Bright Osayi-Samuel; as well as forwards Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Philip Otele and Yira Sor.

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Goalkeepers Francis Uzoho and Adebayo Adeleye also reported early, alongside midfielder Frank Onyeka.

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More players arrived on Wednesday ahead of the first training session, including goalkeeper Maduka Okoye; defenders Zaidu Sanusi and Igoh Ogbu; midfielders Raphael Onyedika and Ndidi; as well as forwards Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams.

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Nigeria will face Iran on Friday at 4pm Nigerian time before taking on Jordan next Tuesday, March 31, with kick-off set for 8pm.

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Both fixtures were moved to Turkey due to security concerns and ongoing tensions in parts of the Middle East, which made the originally planned venue in Amman unsuitable.

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It will be the team’s first gathering since their bronze-winning outing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

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While the fixtures coincide with the final phase of the 2026 World Cup play-offs, they are also significant as they mark the beginning of a new phase for the team following their failure to qualify for the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

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Head coach Eric Chelle had named a 23-man squad for the games last week, but notable absentees include Victor Osimhen, Ola Aina and Stanley Nwabali.

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Meanwhile, Chelle is in the final year of his initial two-year contract, with talks over a possible extension ongoing. The coach is reportedly seeking an improved salary package of $130,000 from his current $50,000, although the Nigeria Football Federation are understood to be considering an offer of $100,000.

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