Nwaiwu Steps In for Injured Bassey in Super Eagles Match

Chibuik Nwaiwu has received a late call-up to replace the injured Calvin Bassey in the Super Eagles of Nigeria ahead of their friendly match against Iran, scheduled for March 27, 2023. Bassey withdrew due to injury, and Nwaiwu, a 22-year-old midfielder formerly with Enyimba Aba, will take his place.

Nwaiwu currently plays for Trabzonspor and has scored three goals while providing one assist in 28 appearances across competitions. The Super Eagles opened their camp in Antalya on Tuesday, with 15 players present.

This match will be Nigeria's first gathering since winning bronze at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The game against Iran will be their third meeting, with Nigeria having previously won a Carlsberg Cup clash in 1998 and ending goalless in a group match during the 2014 World Cup.

The match is set to kick off at 4 PM local time (2 PM Nigerian time).