The Super Eagles have kicked off their training camp in Antalya as preparations intensify for upcoming international friendlies against Iran and Jordan, ENigeria Newpaper reports.
Fifteen players were confirmed to have arrived at the Bellis Deluxe Hotel on Tuesday, with the squad’s first training session scheduled for 4pm local time (2pm Nigerian time). Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe provided the update, noting the late arrival of forward Samuel Chukwueze and goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.
Among those already in camp are midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Alex Iwobi, and Frank Onyeka; defenders Emmanuel Fernandez, Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Bright Osayi-Samuel; forwards Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Philip Otele, and Collins Yira Sor; and goalkeepers Francis Uzoho and Adebayo Adeleye.
ENigeria Newspaper also gathered that several key members of the 23-man squad are yet to join, including goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defenders Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi, and Igoh Ogbu, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Raphael Onyedika, and forwards Ademola Lookman, Chidera Ejuke, and Akor Adams.
An advance team comprising assistant coaches Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu, medical staff, and the kit manager had arrived a day earlier to ensure that all logistics and facilities were ready for the players’ arrival.
Nigeria will face Iran first on Friday at 4pm Nigerian time, followed by a clash with Jordan next Tuesday, March 31, with kick-off set for 8pm. Both games were relocated to Turkey due to security concerns and military tensions that made the original venue in Amman unsuitable.
Notably absent from the 23-man squad are three regulars: Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, Nottingham Forest full-back Ola Aina, and first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
The Antalya camp will serve as the team’s base for tactical preparations and fitness training as head coach Eric Chelle looks to integrate returning and new players into his squad ahead of the matches.
