Calvin Bassey joins Super Eagles for friendly in Poland

Fulham defender Calvin Bassey joined the Super Eagles in Warsaw on Tuesday. This brings the number of players in camp to 20 ahead of Wednesday’s friendly, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

Bassey’s arrival gives coach Eric Chelle more choices in defence. He welcomed the energetic defender into the camp with open arms.

Germany-based Philip Otele, who impressed at the Unity Cup in London, was expected to arrive in camp on Tuesday night.

Chelle can now select from a strong defence. Bassey can partner the motivated Semi Ajayi in central defence. Igoh Ogbu and Emmanuel Fernandez are also available for selection.

“Now, we have a team and we are preparing to go out there and win. Winning is the mentality that we are trying to create in the team, in the players. We will go for a win on Wednesday,” Chelle said.

Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye arrived in Warsaw on Monday afternoon. He immediately joined the team for training and looked sharp. Arthur Okonkwo is also in the mix. He kept clean sheets in his first two matches for Nigeria as the Eagles won the Unity Cup in London. Cyprus-based Francis Uzoho is also available.

Zaidu Sanusi, a league champion with FC Porto in Portugal, and Bruno Onyemaechi will compete for the left-back position. Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Tochukwu Nnadi, Raphael Onyedika, and young Abdullahi Bewene are options in midfield.

Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Rafiu Durosinmi, Terem Moffi, Philip Otele, and Paul Onuachu will lead the attack.

Just like Poland tried out many debutants in their last match against Ukraine on Sunday, Nigeria also featured several debutants in their last two games while winning the Unity Cup.

Coach Jan Urban may focus on in-form winger Jakub Kamiński, who came on as a substitute against Ukraine. He also has Oskar Pietuszewski, Mateusz Żukowski, Norbert Wojtuszek, Kacper Potulski, and Oskar Wójcik at his disposal.

Wednesday’s match will kick off at 8:45 PM Poland time (7:45 PM Nigeria time). It will take place at the 58,000-capacity PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw.