Calvin Bassey Withdraws from Super Eagles Friendlies Due to Back Injury

Nigeria defender Calvin Bassey has pulled out of the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Iran and Jordan after sustaining a back injury.

The team opened camp on Tuesday in Antalya, Turkey, with 15 players arriving on the first day. More players joined on Wednesday morning, including captain Wilfred Ndidi, completing the full squad.

Bassey’s withdrawal was confirmed after the arrival of the remaining players at the team’s base at the Bellis Deluxe Hotel.

An advance delegation had arrived from Nigeria on Monday to prepare for the camping exercise, which included assistant coaches Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu, along with medical staff and the kit manager.

Among the early arrivals were midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Alex Iwobi; defenders Emmanuel Fernandez, Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi and Bright Osayi-Samuel; and forwards Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Philip Otele and Yira Sor. Goalkeepers Francis Uzoho and Adebayo Adeleye, along with midfielder Frank Onyeka, also reported early.

More players arrived on Wednesday ahead of the first training session, including goalkeeper Maduka Okoye; defenders Zaidu Sanusi and Igoh Ogbu; midfielders Raphael Onyedika and Ndidi; as well as forwards Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams.

Nigeria will face Iran on Friday at 4pm Nigerian time before taking on Jordan next Tuesday, March 31, with kick-off set for 8pm.

Both fixtures were moved to Turkey due to security concerns and ongoing tensions in parts of the Middle East, which made the originally planned venue in Amman unsuitable.

The matches mark the team’s first gathering since their bronze-medal finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. They also come after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Head coach Eric Chelle had named a 23-man squad for the games, with notable absentees including Victor Osimhen, Ola Aina and Stanley Nwabali.

Chelle is in the final year of his initial two-year contract, and talks over a possible extension are ongoing. The coach is reportedly seeking an improved salary package, while the Nigeria Football Federation is understood to be considering a revised offer.