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•As Super Eagles finalise preparations
By Joe Apu
The Super Eagles have been dealt an injury setback ahead of their upcoming international friendlies, with defender Calvin Bassey officially ruled out of the matches against Iran and Jordan.
Bassey’s withdrawal, confirmed before the team’s first training session in Antalya, Turkey, leaves Head Coach Eric Chelle with a 22-man squad to work with as preparations intensify.
The camp, however, received a boost with the arrival of captain Wilfred Ndidi on Wednesday afternoon, completing the full list of invited players. All 22 available players subsequently took part in the team’s first training session later that evening.
Chelle will now focus on fine-tuning his tactics ahead of Friday’s clash against Iran, a side Nigeria has faced only twice at senior level. The Super Eagles secured a 1-0 victory in their first meeting at the Carlsberg Cup in Hong Kong in 1998, courtesy of a strike from Ahmed Garba, while their second encounter at the 2014 FIFA World Cup ended in a goalless draw.
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Despite Bassey’s absence, the squad retains a strong blend of experience and youth. Key figures include Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon, alongside regulars such as Francis Uzoho, Paul Onuachu and Samuel Chukwueze.
Other notable names in camp include Ademola Lookman, Maduka Okoye, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi, Frank Onyeka and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
The friendlies will also provide an opportunity for new invitees such as Emmanuel Fernandez, Collins Yira Sor and Philip Otele to stake their claim in the national team setup.
Nigeria will take on Iran at 4pm local time (2pm Nigeria time) on Friday, before facing Jordan on Tuesday, March 31, at 8pm local time (6pm Nigeria time), as Chelle continues to assess his options ahead of future competitive fixtures.
