Int’l friendlies: 15 players open Eagles camp in Turkey

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Fifteen players have arrived at the Super Eagles’ camp in Antalya, Turkey, as preparations begin for this month’s international friendlies against Iran and Jordan, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

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The national team camp officially opened on Tuesday, with coaches and team officials arriving earlier in the day at noon to put finishing touches to arrangements ahead of the players’ arrival.

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An advance delegation, which departed Nigeria on Monday, had already set the groundwork for a smooth camping exercise. The group included assistant coaches Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu, alongside medical staff and the kit manager, all tasked with ensuring that facilities and logistics were in place.

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Providing an update on Tuesday evening, Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe confirmed that 15 players had reported to camp following the late arrival of forward Samuel Chukwueze and goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.

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The early arrivals include 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 Collins Yira Sor.

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Goalkeepers Francis Uzoho and Adebayo Adeleye have also linked up with the squad, while midfielder Frank Onyeka completes the list of players already in camp.

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However, several key members of the 23-man squad are yet to arrive.

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Among those still being expected are goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defenders Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi and Igoh Ogbu, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Raphael Onyedika, as well as forwards Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams.

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However, several key members of the 23-man squad are yet to arrive.

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Among those still being expected are defenders Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi and Igoh Ogbu, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Raphael Onyedika, as well as forwards Ademola Lookman, Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams.

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The team is camped at Bellis Deluxe Hotel, Antalya, where the first training session is scheduled for today at 4pm local time (2pm in Nigeria).

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The camp in Antalya will serve as the team’s preparation base for two friendly matches scheduled to take place in the Turkish city.

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Nigeria will first 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 military tensions in parts of the Middle East, which made the originally planned venue in Amman unsuitable.

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Head coach Eric Chelle had named a 23-man squad for the games last Wednesday, but the list was without three notable regulars.

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Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, Nottingham Forest full-back Ola Aina and first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali were all absent from the selection.

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