Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has conducted his first full training session with 22 players in Antalya, Turkey, as preparations intensify for international friendlies against Iran and Jordan. The workout took place at the Bellis Deluxe Hotel sports complex on Wednesday evening.
The camp was strengthened by a wave of late arrivals, with captain Wilfred Ndidi becoming the 22nd player to join the squad. His arrival followed that of reigning CAF African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman and other Europe based stars, leaving centre back Calvin Bassey as the major absentee after he pulled out with a back injury.
Wednesday’s session, which started at 4:00pm local time (2:00pm Nigerian time), began with intensive recovery work to ease travel fatigue. The focus then shifted to tactical drills as Chelle and his assistants started shaping the team for Friday’s clash with Iran.
With Bassey ruled out, Chelle spent extra time working with Semi Ajayi, Igoh Ogbu and Zaidu Sanusi as he looks to build a solid back line capable of handling Iran’s powerful attack. The session also offered a first close look at the new faces invited to the squad.
Debutants Emmanuel Fernandez of Rangers, Philip Otele of Hamburger SV and Collins Yira Sor of Genk were all heavily involved in small sided games and tactical exercises. Coaches used the drills to assess how quickly they could adapt to the Super Eagles’ playing style.
In goal, the absence of first choice keeper Stanley Nwabali opened up strong competition among Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho and Adebayo Adeleye. The trio were put through sharp reflex and handling tests as Chelle weighs his options for the starting spot against Iran’s Team Melli.
Team media officer Promise Efoghe reported a very positive mood in camp, noting that having the captain and other senior players available from the first full session has helped the coach lay down his philosophy quickly.
All 22 players currently in Antalya are: goalkeepers Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho and Adebayo Adeleye; defenders Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Igoh Ogbu, Zaidu Sanusi and Emmanuel Oluwasegun; midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika; and forwards Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Paul Onuachu, Yira Sor, Philip Otele, Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke.
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