Nigeria’s national team camp in Antalya, Turkey will have a player short for their international friendlies against Iran on Friday and versus Jordan next Tuesday, as Fulham of England defender, Calvin Bassey has opted out due to injury.
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Sports247 gathered that Eagles’ coach, Eric Chelle had been counting on a full house of 23 players to prosecute both games in the Turkish countryside, by the Franco-Malian tactician will now have to make do with only 22.
The absence of Bassey could be a huge setback for the squad, though, as he was one of Nigeria’s best performers during their surge to bronze at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year and he continues having a wonderful spell with his club.
Chelle, who is also without first choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali as well reliable right-back, Ola Aina and top striker, Victor Osimhen, will now have to improvise in the absence of Bassey and other key players.
A media statement by the communications department of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) further disclosed, “Team captain Wilfred Ndidi on Wednesday afternoon drew the curtain on expected arrivals in the abode of the Super Eagles.
“All the 22 expected players joined the team’s first training on Wednesday evening, after it was confirmed that centre-back Calvin Bassey would not be coming, having pulled out as a result of injury.
“Head Coach Eric Chelle will have to make do with the group of 22, as he plots his tactics for Friday’s encounter against Iran. The two countries have met only twice previously at senior level, with Nigeria winning one and the other drawn.
“Chelle will have a mix to pick from, with 96-cap Alex Iwobi and 95-cap Moses Simon embedded in his squad. There are also captain Wilfred Ndidi, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho and forwards Paul Onuachu and Samuel Chukwueze.
“Atletico Madrid’s Ademola Lookman, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defenders Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi and Bruno Onyemaechi, midfielders Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika.
“Forwards Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke are established in the family, but defender Emmanuel Oluwasegun Fernandez and forwards Collins Yira Sor and Philip Otele are stepping into the patio for the first time.
“The clash with Iran’s Team Melli starts at 4pm Turkey time (2pm Nigeria time) on Friday, while the encounter with the Jordan senior men’s team will kick off at 8pm Turkey time (6pm Nigeria time) on Tuesday, 31st March.”
