Nwaiwu Gets Late Super Eagles Call-Up, Replaces Bassey
Last update: March 27, 2026
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Nwaiwu receives late Super Eagles call-up following Calvin Bassey’s withdrawal...
Midfielder Chibuike Nwaiwu has received a late invitation to the Super Eagles of Nigeria squad following the withdrawal of Calvin Bassey due to injury ahead of international friendlies against Iran and Jordan in Turkey.
The inclusion of the 22-year-old Trabzonspor player was confirmed on Thursday, a day after Bassey pulled out.
Nwaiwu, who previously featured for Enyimba, is valued for his versatility, as he can also operate in central defence, making him a direct replacement for the injured Fulham defender.
Since joining Trabzonspor from Wolfsberger AC in January, Nwaiwu has scored three goals and registered one assist in 28 appearances across all competitions.
CBI News reports that the Super Eagles opened camp in Antalya on Tuesday with 15 players, before captain Wilfred Ndidi joined the following day to take the total to 22.
Nigeria will face Iran national football team on Friday at the Antalya Stadium before taking on Jordan national football team next Tuesday.
Both fixtures were moved from Amman due to security concerns in the region.
The matches mark Nigeria’s first outing since finishing third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Friday’s encounter will be only the third meeting between Nigeria and Iran.
The Super Eagles won their 1998 Carlsberg Cup clash through a goal from Ahmed Garba, while their group-stage match at the 2014 FIFA World Cup ended in a draw.
Nigeria head into the games with cautious optimism after their World Cup qualification hopes ended in a penalty defeat to DR Congo in the intercontinental play-offs, although their bronze medal finish secured with a win over Egypt helped restore some confidence.
Iran arrive under coach Amir Ghalenoei following a mixed run of results, including a loss to Russia and draws against Cape Verde and Uzbekistan, with preparations also affected by geopolitical tensions.
The Super Eagles will be without key players such as Victor Osimhen, Ola Aina, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, while others like Cyriel Dessers and Chidozie Awaziem were not included as head coach Éric Chelle reshapes the squad.
Midfielder Alex Iwobi is expected to play a leading role as he nears his 100th international cap, while Semi Ajayi is set to anchor the defence.
Opportunities have also been handed to uncapped players Emmanuel Fernandez, Philip Otele, Collins Yira Sor, and Nwaiwu.
In attack, Ademola Lookman is expected to provide creativity behind Paul Onuachu, who is likely to lead the line.
The match against Iran is scheduled to kick off at 4 p.m. local time (2 p.m. Nigerian time) today, March 27.
