Int’l Friendlies: Chelle drills 22 Eagles in first Antalya training
Super Eagles’ preparations for their international double-header against Iran and Jordan officially shifted from the arrivals lounge to the training pitch as Head Coach Eric Chelle oversaw his first full
- By Morakinyo Abodunrin
Super Eagles’ preparations for their international double-header against Iran and Jordan officially shifted from the arrivals lounge to the training pitch as Head Coach Eric Chelle oversaw his first full session yesterday at the Bellis Deluxe Hotel sports complex.
The camp was bolstered by a flurry of late-morning arrivals, with captain Wilfred Ndidi becoming the 22nd player to join the squad. His arrival follows that of reigning CAF African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, and several other Europe-based stars, leaving the technical crew with centre-back Calvin Bassey a notable absentee having pulled out as a result of back injury.
But the session, which commenced at 4:00 PM local time (2:00 PM Nigerian time), began with intensive recovery drills led by the backroom staff to mitigate the effects of travel fatigue. However, the focus quickly changed to tactical integration.
With Calvin Bassey officially ruled out of the trip due to a back injury, coach Chelle reportedly spent significant time working with Semi Ajayi, Igoh Ogbu, and Zaidu Sanusi as he looks to solidify a backline that will face a potent Iranian attack on Friday.
The session provided a first glimpse of the fresh blood Chelle has injected into the team. Debutants Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers), Philip Otele (Hamburger SV), and Collins Yira Sor (KRC Genk) were all active in the small-sided games.
With Stanley Nwabali absent, the goalkeeping department saw a high-stakes duel. Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho, and Adebayo Adeleye were put through rigorous reflex tests, as Chelle looks to decide who will start between the sticks against Team Melli.
Super Eagles Media Officer Promise Efoghe confirmed the positive atmosphere in camp, stating, "The commitment level is top-notch. Having the captain and senior figures in for the first session allows the coach to lay down his philosophy immediately."
22 PLAYERS IN ANTALYA
Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho, Adebayo Adeleye
Defenders: Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Igoh Ogbu, Zaidu Sanusi, Emmanuel Oluwasegun
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (C), Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika
Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Paul Onuachu, Yira Sor, Philip Otele, Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke
