Nigeria Call Up Trabzonspor’s Nwaiwu as Bassey Pulls Out Injured Ahead of Iran Clash

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been forced into a late defensive reshuffle ahead of their four-nation invitational tournament in Antalya, Turkey, after Fulham centre-back Calvin Bassey withdrew with a back injury days before their March 27 opener against Iran.

Coach Eric Chelle has turned to Chibuike Nwaiwu of Trabzonspor as cover. The 22-year-old will travel to Turkey for what would be his first senior international appearance. 

Trabzonspor confirmed the call-up, stating: “We wish success to our footballer Chibuike Nwaiwu, who will take the field for the first time in the Nigeria National Team.”

Born in Port Harcourt in 2003, Nwaiwu started at Heartland before moving to Enyimba, where he made 43 appearances and won the 2022–23 NPFL title. A move to Austria’s Wolfsberger AC in 2024 preceded his €5.5 million transfer to Trabzonspor in January 2026, where he scored twice in a single match in February.

Standing 1.93 metres tall, Nwaiwu can operate as a centre-back or defensive midfielder — versatility that Chelle will need with both Bassey and Victor Osimhen absent. Nigeria face Jordan four days after the Iran fixture.