Super Eagles camp date confirmed as new faces boost Nigeria squad depth

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has provided more details regarding the Super Eagles’ camp arrangements ahead of their international fixtures this month, Afrik-Foot reports.

The three-time African champions will open their training camp on March 24, 2026, in Antalya, Turkey.

This is as preparations continue for a four-nation invitational tournament that has now been moved from Jordan due to security concerns.

Originally planned to take place in Amman, the competition had to be relocated following ongoing military tensions in parts of the Middle East. As a result, all participating teams will now converge in Turkey, where Nigeria will play two friendly matches aimed at sharpening the squad ahead of future competitive fixtures.

The Super Eagles will first face Iran on March 27, with kickoff set for 4:00 p.m. local time. They will then round off their involvement against hosts Jordan on March 31, with that fixture scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Both games are expected to provide valuable test scenarios for the team as they continue to rebuild and fine-tune their approach ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The team’s last competitive outing came at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where they played in the third-place playoff against Egypt, and there is now a clear focus on improving consistency and depth.

Chelle hands three new players first Super Eagles call-ups

Head coach Eric Chelle has named a 23-man squad for the tournament, blending experience with fresh talent in what appears to be a deliberate attempt to expand the team’s options.

Among the standout decisions is the inclusion of three new players who will be hoping to make their mark at international level.

Glasgow Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez has earned his first invitation after a productive spell in Scotland. The former Peterborough centre-back, who is reportedly on the radar of Chelsea and Arsenal, is joined by Germany-based forward Philip Otele and KRC Genk attacker Yira Collins Sor. Their call-ups signal a willingness from the coaching crew to look beyond established names and inject new energy into the squad.

Chelle has also recalled several key figures, including goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defenders Oluwasemilogo Ajayi and Calvin Bassey, as well as midfield anchors Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka. In attack, the likes of Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Paul Onuachu, and Ademola Lookman are expected to provide the cutting edge.

Goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye also returns to the squad, adding competition in that department alongside Okoye and Francis Uzoho.

23-Man Super Eagles Squad

Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye; Adebayo Adeleye; Francis Uzoho

Defenders: Calvin Bassey; Oluwasemilogo Ajayi; Bright Osayi-Samuel; Bruno Onyemaechi; Zaidu Sanusi; Igoh Ogbu; Emmanuel Fernandez

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi; Frank Onyeka; Wilfred Ndidi; Raphael Onyedika; Fisayo Dele-Bashiru

Forwards: Ademola Lookman; Samuel Chukwueze; Moses Simon; Chidera Ejuke; Paul Onuachu; Akor Adams; Philip Otele; Collins Yira Sor