Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has touched down in Antalya to complete a 22-man training camp, but a back injury has forced Calvin Bassey out of Nigeria’s friendlies against Iran and Jordan.
The Super Eagles’ March camp in Antalya, Turkey got its final major boost on Wednesday when captain Wilfred Ndidi arrived to join his teammates in preparation for back-to-back friendlies against Iran and Jordan. His arrival lifted the training group to 22 players and signalled that coach Eric Chelle‘s squad is essentially complete — except for one significant gap. Calvin Bassey has withdrawn from the camp with a back injury, ruling the Fulham centre-back out of both fixtures.
For Super Eagles fans wanting to follow these Antalya friendlies closely and place wagers on Nigeria’s performances, the YOHAIG welcome offer on Bet9ja is a useful starting point ahead of the Iran game on Friday.
Ndidi, who serves as vice-captain at Besiktas in Turkey and has been in solid form in the Süper Lig, slotted straight into training after arriving at the team hotel. His presence in the engine room is one of the first things coaches and teammates look for when the Super Eagles gather. The Ilorin-born midfielder organises play, sets the defensive press, and brings a composure that filters through the entire squad — qualities that are particularly important when a group is blending experienced senior players with newer faces competing for places.
Bassey’s Withdrawal Creates Defensive Uncertainty
Bassey’s absence is the one unwelcome note in an otherwise well-assembled camp. The former Ajax defender has been a pillar of Fulham’s defence this season as the club chases a European qualification spot, and he was expected to anchor the back line for both friendlies. A back complaint, however, has forced him home, and Chelle’s staff now has to rethink the defensive combinations they had been planning around.
Trabzonspor’s Chibuike Nwaiwu has been mentioned as a potential late call-up to fill the gap. Nwaiwu has been one of the better-performing Nigerian defenders in Europe this season and would fit naturally into the Antalya camp given that Trabzonspor and Besiktas both play in Turkey — making travel and logistical arrangements straightforward. A decision on whether to bring him in is expected in the coming hours. As reported by FootballInNigeria.com.ng, players already in camp are also being assessed in defensive roles, with competition for the spots behind Ndidi wide open. New users keen to stake on Nigerian football this March can also check out the Bet9ja promo code FAQ for answers to the most common questions about bonuses and eligibility.
A Camp Full of Attacking Intent
While the defensive question is being resolved, there is no shortage of quality in the forward positions. Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon have been among the attackers working through sessions in Antalya, with the trio representing three very different profiles of wide forward. Lookman brings cutting, direct movement and the ability to play between lines; Chukwueze offers pace and technical quality down the flank; Simon provides energy, experience, and a directness that can unlock deep defensive blocks.
In midfield, Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka have been working alongside Ndidi, giving Chelle options both in terms of creativity and defensive cover. The goalkeeper department features Francis Uzoho and Maduka Okoye, with the competition between Nigeria’s two senior keepers one of the sub-plots that adds genuine narrative interest to these camp weeks. The full back and central defence positions, meanwhile, have contributions from Semi Ajayi and Zaidu Sanusi among others. Super Eagles fans ahead of kick-off against Iran on Friday can grab the latest Bet9ja promotion code for a boosted opening offer before the match in Antalya.
What These Games Are For
Nigeria faces Iran on Friday before taking on Jordan shortly after. Neither opponent is from the elite of world football, but that is precisely the point. These games give Chelle the opportunity to try combinations, test pressing systems at match pace, blood players who have been performing well at club level, and make observations about squad depth that are impossible to gather from training alone. With 2026 World Cup qualification on the horizon and the Super Eagles still nursing the psychological wounds of missing out on automatic qualification from AFCON 2025, every game that builds cohesion and sharpens tactical understanding has real value.
📌 Did You Know?
- Wilfred Ndidi is the first player born in Ilorin, Kwara State, to captain the Super Eagles at senior level, making his leadership of the national team a source of particular pride for the north-central Nigerian state.
- Antalya, the Turkish resort city where Nigeria’s camp is based, is one of the most popular locations in the world for international football training camps. Its mild March climate, high-quality facilities, and cluster of strong opponents available for friendly fixtures make it a preferred destination for African national teams during international windows.
- Calvin Bassey, who has withdrawn with a back injury, made history in March 2025 when he scored a header against Manchester United in the FA Cup — a moment that is widely regarded as one of the most memorable goals ever scored by a Nigerian player in English cup competition.
- Iran, Nigeria’s first friendly opponent this window, have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and are preparing for the tournament in North America. Their squad includes players from European leagues, making them a competitive test despite the informal nature of the fixture.
- Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles head coach, is Malian-French and began his appointment in 2025. He is one of only a small number of non-Nigerian coaches to have taken charge of the Super Eagles senior team, and has placed emphasis on tactical discipline and a high defensive line since taking over.
- Chibuike Nwaiwu, the Trabzonspor defender mentioned as a potential Bassey replacement, has emerged as one of the most consistent Nigerian defenders in European football this season, with his performances in the Turkish Süper Lig drawing interest from clubs in the Bundesliga and Premier League.
- Frank Onyeka, one of the midfielders in the Antalya camp, plays his club football in the Bundesliga with FC Augsburg. He has been one of the more underrated Nigerian internationals in recent seasons, frequently starting for his club while competing for a consistent Super Eagles slot against more high-profile alternatives.
