Nigeria national team defender Calvin Bassey has withdrawn from the upcoming international friendly matches against Iran and Jordan due to a back injury, according to a report from the Media Talk Africa.
Bassey, who plays for Fulham in the English Premier League, sustained the injury during his club’s 3-1 victory over Burnley last weekend. The setback means he will not travel to Turkey for the Super Eagles’ training camp and subsequent fixtures.
Head coach Eric Chelle is not expected to announce a replacement for the 24-year-old centre-back. With less than 48 hours before the first friendly against Iran on Friday, the technical staff are likely to proceed with the current squad assembled in Antalya.
In positive squad news, captain Wilfred Ndidi has arrived at the team’s Bellis Deluxe Hotel base. The Besiktas midfielder’s arrival increases the number of players in camp to 22. Ndidi is scheduled to participate in the team’s first training session later today.
The two friendlies form part of Nigeria’s preparatory schedule for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification campaign, which commences later this year. Bassey’s absence presents a defensive concern for Chelle as he finalises his preparations for the September qualifiers.
The matches also serve as an opportunity for the new coaching staff to evaluate player fitness and tactical options ahead of competitive fixtures. While Ndidi’s integration into training is a boost, the loss of a key first-team regular like Bassey requires the remaining defensive personnel to step up during the limited preparation time.
The Nigerian camp continues to build towards a busy international calendar, with the focus now on integrating the available group for the upcoming friendlies and beyond.
