International Friendlies: Ndidi Checks In as Eagles Hit Full Strength; Injury Ousts Bassey

Nigeria’s Super Eagles’ camp in Antalya, Turkey, is now at full strength following the arrival of captain Wilfred Ndidi on Wednesday, as preparations intensify for upcoming international friendlies against Iran and Jordan.

Ndidi’s arrival completed the list of expected players, with all 22 available squad members taking part in Wednesday evening’s training session. However, the camp was dealt a setback with the withdrawal of Calvin Bassey, who has been ruled out through injury.

Head coach Éric Chelle will now work with the 22-man squad as he fine-tunes his tactics for Friday’s clash against Iran. The two nations have met only twice at senior level—Nigeria claiming one win, while the other encounter ended in a draw.

Their first meeting came at the Carlsberg Cup in Hong Kong in 1998, where a second-half strike from Ahmed Garba secured victory for Nigeria. The second was a goalless draw during the group stage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Chelle’s squad blends experience with emerging talent. Seasoned internationals such as Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon—with 96 and 95 caps respectively—provide leadership alongside Ndidi, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, and forwards Paul Onuachu and Samuel Chukwueze.

Also included are established names such as Ademola Lookman, Maduka Okoye, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika.

Meanwhile, defender Emmanuel Fernandez and forwards Collins Yira Sor and Philip Otele are set to experience the senior team environment for the first time.

Nigeria will face Iran’s Team Melli on Friday at 4pm local time (2pm Nigeria time), before taking on Jordan next Tuesday, 31 March, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm local time (6pm Nigeria time).

With the squad now complete, attention turns fully to fine-tuning preparations as the Super Eagles aim to make a strong statement in Antalya.