Chibuike Nwaiwu replaces Calvin Bassey ahead of Super Eagles friendlies

Trabzonspor defender Chibuike Nwaiwu has been called up to replace the injured Calvin Bassey ahead of the Super Eagles’ international friendlies against Iran and Jordan.

🚨 Squad Update

Chibuike Nwaiwu of Trabzonspor replaces the injured Calvin Bassey for March friendlies. pic.twitter.com/1Fohk6LUQj

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 26, 2026

Nwaiwu’s maiden call-up was announced via the national team’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday. Bassey was initially included in the squad for the double-header but was forced to withdraw after sustaining a back injury during club duties with Fulham.

Nigeria are scheduled to take on Iran on Friday, March 27, before facing Jordan on Tuesday, March 31. Both fixtures will be held in Antalya, Turkey.

Nwaiwu’s road to the Super Eagles

On March 3, 2023, Nwaiwu was first called up to the Nigerian U-23 side for the 2024 Summer Olympics qualification matches.

The 22-year-old began his senior career in Nigeria with Heartland FC in 2021. The next year, he moved to Enyimba where he played a pivotal role in their 2022–23 Nigeria Professional Football League title win.

Following his success in the NPFL, he transferred to Austrian Bundesliga club Wolfsberger AC in September 2024. He started in the final as Wolfsberger won the 2024–25 Austrian Cup, the club’s first-ever domestic trophy.

In January 2026, Nwaiwu completed a €5.5 million move to Trabzonspor. He has enjoyed a stellar start to life in the Turkish Süper Lig, recording two goals and one assist in ten appearances so far this season.