The Nigeria National Football Team The Super Eagles Now Has A Full Squad

The Nigeria national football team the Super Eagles now has a full squad in its training camp in Antalya, Turkey, with captain Wilfred Ndidi arriving to complete preparations for two international friendly matches against Iran and Jordan.

Ndidi touched down on Wednesday, bringing the group of invited players to 22, all of whom participated in the team’s first training session later that evening. The completion of the camp gives head coach Éric Chelle a full complement of personnel to work with ahead of Friday’s clash with Iran. However, centre‑back Calvin Bassey, who had been named in the squad, has been ruled out of both friendlies due to a back injury. His absence leaves a gap in the defensive lineup that Chelle will need to address with tactical adjustments. With Ndidi’s arrival, the Super Eagles are focusing on building cohesion and sharpening tactical discipline ahead of the international fixtures. The training sessions have blended experienced leaders with emerging talents, aiming to refine both defensive structure and attacking combinations.

Senior players such as Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon, Francis Uzoho, Paul Onuachu and Samuel Chukwueze provide experience and leadership for the camp, while other regulars like Ademola Lookman, Maduka Okoye, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi‑Samuel and Raphael Onyedika round out the squad.

The Super Eagles’ first friendly is scheduled for Friday against Iran, with kick‑off set for 4 p.m. local time in Turkey (2 p.m. Nigeria time). Nigeria will then meet Jordan on Tuesday, March 31, at 8 p.m. local time (6 p.m. Nigeria time).

Historically, Nigeria and Iran have met twice at senior level, with one win and one draw between them: a 1998 match in Hong Kong where Nigeria won with a goal by Ahmed Garba, and a goalless draw at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Coach Chelle faces the immediate challenge of balancing the squad without Bassey, potentially reshuffling his defensive plans or exploring alternative options within the group. The absence of a key centre‑back so close to match action places emphasis on adaptability and depth. The friendlies are seen as valuable opportunities to test tactical ideas, integrate new players and build match fitness ahead of more competitive fixtures later in the season. The Super Eagles will continue training in Antalya as they fine‑tune preparations for their friendlies. With most of the squad now together and focused, attention turns to performance on the pitch, where tactical cohesion and adaptability will be critical especially with a defensive reshuffle following Bassey’s ruled‑out participation.