Calvin Bassey has withdrawn from the Nigeria national football team squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Iran and Jordan after suffering a back injury.
The defender’s withdrawal was confirmed after the arrival of the remaining players at the team’s training base at the Bellis Deluxe Hotel in Antalya.
Team officials announced that the injury would prevent him from participating in both matches scheduled during the current international window.
The Super Eagles opened camp on Tuesday with 15 players reporting initially, while more members of the squad arrived on Wednesday morning, including captain Wilfred Ndidi, completing the squad list.
An advance delegation had earlier departed Nigeria to prepare logistics for the camping programme, including assistant coaches Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu, alongside medical and support staff.
According to media officer Promise Efoghe, early arrivals included Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu and Semi Ajayi among others.
Additional players who joined later included Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Raphael Onyedika and goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.
Nigeria will face Iran on Friday before taking on Jordan next Tuesday in two preparatory matches relocated to Turkey because of security concerns in parts of the Middle East.
The fixtures mark the team’s first gathering since securing bronze at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
They also begin a new phase for the national side after missing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Head coach Eric Chelle had named a 23-man squad for the friendlies, with notable absentees including Victor Osimhen, Ola Aina and Stanley Nwabali.
Discussions are also continuing over Chelle’s contract, with negotiations ongoing regarding an extension and revised salary terms.
