The camp of Nigeria’s Super Eagles is now complete following the arrival of captain Wilfred Ndidi at the Bellis Deluxe Hotel in Antalya, on Wednesday, ahead of upcoming international friendlies in Turkey.
Head Coach Eric Chelle had earlier named captain Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman in a 23-man squad for the matches.
The fixtures were moved from Amman to Antalya due to the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East.
The Super Eagles will face Iran on March 27 at 4 p.m., before taking on Jordan on March 31 at 8 p.m. in Antalya.
Super Eagles Media Officer, Promise Efoghe, said Ndidi’s arrival brings leadership and balance to the squad ahead of Friday’s friendly.
“We are pleased to have our captain join the team today. His presence completes the list of invited players and strengthens the group,” Efoghe said.
He, however, confirmed the last minute withdrawal of Calvin Bassey from the list of invited players due to a back injury sustained while on club duties.
“It is unfortunate that Bassey had to pull out late because of a back injury. We wish him a quick recovery and hope to have him back to the team soon,” he said.
Efoghe added that 22 players are currently in camp and fully involved in preparations for the upcoming encounter.
The team held its first training session at 4 p.m. local time (2 p.m. Nigerian time), with all available players participating actively.
Efoghe said the session focused on fitness drills, ball circulation, pressing exercises, and small-sided games to assess players’ readiness.
“The first training session was productive. The coaches engaged the players in light conditioning, tactical positioning, and ball work to get them in shape,” he said.
He said that the players responded well, showing intensity and commitment as they were put through their paces ahead of the clash with Iran national football team.
“The energy and response from the players were very encouraging. You can see the determination as they prepare for the match on Friday,” he added.
Efoghe said the technical crew would step up preparations in subsequent sessions to fine-tune strategies and cohesion.
“Thursday’s training will be more intense and tactical as the coaches begin to focus on specific match situations and game plans,” he said.
List of all 22 players in order of their arrival to camp
1. Fisayo Bashiru
2. Iwobi Alex
3. Emmanuel Oluwasegun
4. Yira Sor
5. Onuachu Paul
6. Philip Otele
7. Semi Ajayi
8. Moses Simon
9. Uzoho Francis
10. Bruno Onyemaechi
11. Bright Osayi
12. Frank Onyeka
13. Adebayo Adeleye
14. Ademola Lookman
15. Akor Adams
16. Chidera Ejuke
17. Raphael Onyedika
18. Igoh Ogbu
19. Maduka Okoye
20. Samuel Chukwueze
21. Zaidu Sanusi
22. Wilfred Ndidi
(NAN)
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