Trabzonspor defender Chibuike Nwaiwu has been handed a maiden call-up to the Nigerian national team as a replacement for Calvin Bassey, who pulled out of the squad on Wednesday due to injury.
Fulham centre-back Bassey, had been named in Eric Chelle’s 23-man squad to represent the Super Eagles at the four-nation mini tournament this month, with games to come against Iran and Jordan.
However, he was forced to withdraw and did not travel with the squad to Antalya, Turkey, after suffering from a back injury which he sustained while on club duties last weekend.
Bassey played the full 90 minutes in Fulham’s 3-1 win over Burnley in the Premier League, but struggled with the injury during that encounter.
Former Nigerian U-23 defender Nwaiwu has now been invited to join the Super Eagles for the first time in his career and could be in line for his debut as well.
The 22-year-old began his career at Heartland in the Nigeria Premier Football League, but his first move abroad came in 2024 when he joined Austrian side Wolfsberger.
Nwaiwu moved to Turkish club Trabzonspor during the 2026 winter transfer window and has immediately become a key part of the squad, cementing his spot at the heart of the club’s defence.
Super Eagles face Iran in friendly match
Nigeria and Iran face-off on Friday at the Antalya Sports Complex in Turkey, with both sides eyeing winning start to the mini tournament.
It was originally scheduled to hold in Jordan, but the venue was moved due to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
The Super Eagles will also face Jordan next Tuesday, before they now shift attention to the 2027 African Cup of Nations qualifiers, which begins later in the year.
