Fifteen Super Eagles Players Hit Camp In Turkey Ahead of Iran, Jordan Friendlies

Fifteen players have checked into the Super Eagles camp in Antalya as Nigeria step up preparations for upcoming friendlies against Iran and Jordan.

Camp officially opened on Tuesday, March 24, with coaches and backroom staff arriving earlier in the day to finalise arrangements before the players’ arrival.

An advance party had flown out from Nigeria on Monday to lay the groundwork. The group included assistant coaches Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu, as well as medical personnel and the kit manager.

By Tuesday evening, team media officer Promise Efoghe confirmed that 15 players were already in camp, boosted by the late arrival of forward Samuel Chukwueze and goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.

Among those who reported early are Alex Iwobi and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in midfield, while the defensive line features Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Emmanuel Fernandez.

In attack, Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Philip Otele and Collins Yira Sor are already on the ground. Goalkeepers Francis Uzoho and Adebayo Adeleye have also linked up with the squad, with Frank Onyeka completing the list.

Several members of the 23-man squad are yet to arrive. They include defenders Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi and Igoh Ogbu, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Raphael Onyedika, and forwards Ademola Lookman, Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams.

The team is lodged at the Bellis Deluxe Hotel in Antalya, where their first training session is set for 4pm local time later today, March 25.

Nigeria will face Iran on Friday, March 27, at 4pm Nigerian time before taking on Jordan next Tuesday, March 31, with kick-off fixed for 8pm.

Naija News reports that both matches were moved to Turkey due to security concerns and rising tensions across parts of the Middle East, which ruled out the initial plan to host the fixtures in Amman.

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