Super Eagles open Antalya camp ahead of Iran, Jordan friendlies

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have commenced preparations for their upcoming international friendlies, with camp officially opening on Tuesday in Antalya, Turkey, Sport360NG reports. 

Members of the national team’s backroom staff arrived in Turkey on Monday as an advance party to finalise logistics ahead of the players’ arrival. The delegation included assistant coaches Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu, alongside medical personnel and the team’s kit manager, all tasked with ensuring a smooth setup for the squad.

Nigeria will face Iran on Friday before taking on Jordan next Tuesday, with both matches scheduled to be played in Antalya. The fixtures were relocated from Amman due to prevailing security concerns and military tensions in parts of the Middle East.

Head coach Eric Chelle had earlier announced a 23-man squad for the friendlies, notably excluding key players such as striker Victor Osimhen, defender Ola Aina, and first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. Their absence highlights a significant shake-up from the squad that featured at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, as Chelle looks to evaluate new options.

Several other players, including Amas Obasogie, Chidozie Awaziem, Ryan Alebiosu, Muhammed Usman, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi, Salim Fago and Cyriel Dessers, were also left out of the squad.

In contrast, new faces such as Emmanuel Fernandez, Philip Otele and Collins Yira Sor have been handed opportunities, reflecting the coach’s intention to broaden the team’s depth.

Captain Wilfred Ndidi returns to provide leadership in midfield, supported by Alex Iwobi, while Ademola Lookman is expected to spearhead the attack in the absence of Osimhen.

Nigeria will kick off their first friendly against Iran at 4pm on Friday, before facing Jordan on March 31 at 8pm Nigerian time.