Calvin Bassey Withdraws from Nigeria Squad Due to Injury

Nigeria loses Bassey to injury ahead of Antalya tournament

Fulham defender Calvin Bassey pulls out of Nigeria's friendlies against Iran and Jordan due to back injury.

Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey withdraws from squad, Nigeria names replacement lineup for friendlies...

Fulham's Calvin Bassey has withdrawn from the Nigeria squad due to a back injury, just before their friendlies against Iran and Jordan. He was set to be a key player in the Super Eagles' defense during the four-nation tournament in Antalya, Turkey.

Calvin Bassey has withdrawn from the Nigeria national football team squad for the upcoming friendlies against Iran and Jordan due to a back injury.

Wishing you a speedy recovery, CB 💚. pic.twitter.com/NCgbk0S8xn

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 25, 2026

Bassey picked up the injury during Fulham's 3-1 win over Burnley last weekend, and he'll now focus on recovery in England instead of joining the team in Turkey. This is a big blow for Nigeria, as they're already dealing with injuries to Victor Osimhen, Stanley Nwabali, and Ola Aina.

The Nigeria national team announced on social media that Bassey has pulled out of the squad due to a back injury.

“Calvin Bassey has withdrawn from the Nigeria national football team squad for the upcoming friendlies against Iran and Jordan due to a back injury. Wishing you a speedy recovery, CB,” the post on X read.

Session one: locked in 🔒 pic.twitter.com/7C3StkBDz3

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 25, 2026

The Super Eagles will move forward with Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, and debutant Emmanuel Fernandez, as they head into friendlies against Iran and Jordan.

Bassey's injury could hurt Fulham's chances of securing a European spot next season. They're currently 9th in the Premier League table with 44 points from 31 games.

The Nigeria international has been a key player for the Cottagers, making 23 appearances and scoring once. His absence might be felt as Fulham pushes for a top spot.

Wilfred Ndidi, the team captain, was the last to arrive at camp, and the squad's all together now, getting ready for their first match.

Nigeria's up against Iran on March 27th, followed by Jordan on March 31st. Iran's second match is against Costa Rica.

Nigeria Squad

Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)

Defenders: Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Coventry FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy)

Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Philip Otele (Hamburger SV, Germany); Collins Yira Sor (KRC Genk, Belgium)