International exhibitions: Bassey suffers setback as Super Eagles reunite in Turkey

Nigeria defender Calvin Bassey has withdrawn from the squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Iran and Jordan due to a back injury, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Super Eagles camp opened on Tuesday in Antalya, Turkey, with 15 players arriving initially, while more joined on Wednesday morning, including captain Wilfred Ndidi, completing the squad.

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

“Calvin Bassey has withdrawn from the Nigeria national football team squad for the upcoming friendlies against Iran and Jordan due to a back injury,” the team announced.

An advance delegation that departed Nigeria on Monday had already laid the groundwork for a smooth camping exercise. The group included assistant coaches Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu, alongside medical staff and the kit manager.

Providing an update on Tuesday evening, Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe confirmed that 15 players had reported to camp.

The early arrivals included midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Alex Iwobi; defenders Emmanuel Fernandez, Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi and Bright Osayi-Samuel; as well as forwards Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Philip Otele and Yira Sor.

Goalkeepers Francis Uzoho and Adebayo Adeleye also reported early, alongside midfielder Frank Onyeka.

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.

It will be the team’s first gathering since their bronze-winning outing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

While the fixtures coincide with the final phase of the 2026 World Cup play-offs, they are also significant as they mark the beginning of a new phase for the team following their failure to qualify for the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

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

Meanwhile, Chelle is in the final year of his initial two-year contract, with talks over a possible extension ongoing. The coach is reportedly seeking an improved salary package of $130,000 from his current $50,000, although the Nigeria Football Federation are understood to be considering an offer of $100,000.