15 Super Eagles arrive in Antalya for internatiomal friendlies
By Morakinyo Abodunrin The Super Eagles’ preparations for their international double-header hit top gear yesterday following the arrival of no fewer than 15 players at the team’s Bellis Deluxe Hotel
By Morakinyo Abodunrin
The Super Eagles’ preparations for their international double-header hit top gear yesterday following the arrival of no fewer than 15 players at the team’s Bellis Deluxe Hotel base in Antalya.
The arrival of the 15-man contingent marks the official opening of the training camp ahead of Friday’s friendly against Iran and next Tuesday’s clash with Jordan.
As at last night, the 15 players have checked into camp include the invited three goalkeepers, Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho and Adebayo Adeleye as well as defenders Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi. Also in camp are three midfielders including Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. Others arrivals include strikers Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Paul Onuachu, Yira Sor, Philip Otele and Emmanuel Oluwasegun. The remaining eight players from Head Coach Eric Chelle’s 23-man list are expected to join the group today.
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Following the arrival of the backroom staff and technical crew earlier on Tuesday, the team is scheduled to hold its first training session this evening at 4:00 PM local time (2:00 PM Nigerian time). The session will expectedly focus on physical recovery and tactical integration for the new invitees.
The upcoming fixtures serve as a critical rebuilding phase for the three-time African champions. Originally scheduled to take place in Amman, Jordan, the matches were relocated to Turkey due to escalating security concerns and military tensions in the Middle East.
Coach Chelle has used this window to inject fresh blood into the squad, handing maiden call-ups to Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers), Philip Otele (Hamburger SV), and Collins Yira Sor (KRC Genk).
The Super Eagles will navigate these friendlies without several regular starters. Reigning African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen is unavailable following surgery on a fractured arm, while first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and defender Ola Aina are also notable absentees.
THE FIRST 15 SUPER EAGLES IN CAMP:
Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho, Adebayo Adeleye
Defenders: Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Forwards: Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Paul Onuachu, Yira Sor, Philip Otele, Emmanuel Oluwasegun
