The Super Eagles have suffered a defensive setback in Turkey as Calvin Bassey pulls out of the squad.
The defender is reportedly struggling with a back issue that has ruled him out of the remainder of the tournament.
The 28-year-old, who plays his club football in the English Premier League with Fulham, will stay in London to focus on recovery instead of joining the national team in Antalya.
The withdrawal was officially announced by Promise Efoghe, the Super Eagles’ media officer, through camp updates shared on Wednesday.
Bassey, a standout performer who earned a spot in the team of the tournament at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, becomes the sole player missing from the group selected for this international break.
With Bassey’s absence confirmed, the full complement of 22 players has now assembled in camp.
The squad is gearing up for key matches against Iran and Jordan as part of preparations during this two-week FIFA window.
Paul Onuachu, the towering striker based in Turkey, is expected to spearhead the attack in the absence of the injured Victor Osimhen.
On the opening day of camp on Tuesday, 13 players reported, including debutants Yira Sor, Emmanuel Oluwasegun Fernandez, and Phillip Otele, who received their first-ever call-ups to the senior team.
The coaching staff and support personnel had already settled at the team’s base in Antalya, captain Wilfred Ndidi arrived on Wednesday alongside the remaining players, ensuring the squad is now complete and ready to intensify training sessions.
Nigeria’s campaign in the Antalya tournament kicks off with a clash against Iran on Friday.
The Super Eagles will then face Jordan the following Tuesday to round out their fixtures in this restructured friendly competition.
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