The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, has commenced a preparatory camp in Antalya, Turkey, ahead of two scheduled international friendly matches against Iran and Jordan, as reported by the Media Talk Africa.
Technical and administrative staff, including head coach Éric Chelle, arrived in Istanbul early Tuesday morning and were scheduled to establish their base in Antalya by midday. The contingent of invited players is also expected to begin arriving in the Turkish resort city on the same day. The squad is set to hold its inaugural on-field training session later Tuesday evening under Coach Chelle’s direction.
The first friendly is slated for this Friday in Antalya, where the Super Eagles will take on Iran. The second exhibition match against Jordan is confirmed for the following Tuesday, also to be played at the same venue. Both games form a critical part of the team’s build-up for upcoming competitive assignments, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series.
Coach Éric Chelle, appointed in May, is using this international window to assess player fitness, test tactical systems, and foster team cohesion ahead of crucial qualifiers. The choice of Antalya, a frequent destination for national team training camps due to its climate and facilities, provides a controlled environment for preparation. These matches represent the team’s first official outings under Chelle’s tenure following a period of transition.
The matches against Iran and Jordan offer the Super Eagles an opportunity to gauge their progress against Asian opposition, providing varied tactical challenges. The outcomes and individual performances from these friendlies will likely influence Chelle’s squad selection and strategic planning for Nigeria’s remaining AFCON 2025 qualifiers. Following the conclusion of the Jordan friendly, the team is expected to disperse before reconvening for future call-ups as the international calendar progresses.
