Nigeria’s preparations for the upcoming international friendlies have suffered a setback after defender Calvin Bassey withdrew from the squad due to injury, prompting the call-up of Chibuike Nwaiwu as his replacement.
Bassey, a key figure in the Super Eagles defensive setup, has been ruled out of the fixtures against Iran and Jordan after sustaining a back injury. His absence is expected to test Nigeria’s defensive depth as the team continues to fine-tune preparations ahead of future competitive matches.
The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed that Nwaiwu, who currently plays for Trabzonspor, has been drafted into the squad to fill the void left by Bassey’s withdrawal. The call-up represents a significant opportunity for the defender to stake a claim for a regular place in the national team.
Bassey’s withdrawal comes at a crucial time for the Super Eagles, who are using the friendlies to assess tactical options and squad depth. His absence removes an experienced and versatile option from the backline, particularly given his ability to operate both as a centre-back and full-back.
For Nwaiwu, the late inclusion offers a chance to impress the coaching crew and integrate into the national team setup.
The Super Eagles had their first training on Wednesday ahead of their Friday encounter against Iran. They face Jordan on Tuesday in the second friendly game.
