Trabzonspor defender Chibuike Nwaiwu has received a late invitation to join Nigeria’s senior national team following the withdrawal of Calvin Bassey due to injury.
The call-up, confirmed on the Super Eagles’ official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, comes as the team finalises preparations for upcoming international friendlies against Iran national football team and Jordan national football team.
Bassey, who was originally named in the squad, has been ruled out after sustaining a back injury, forcing the technical crew to seek a replacement.
Nwaiwu now steps in as the team prepares for the double-header in Antalya, Turkey.
Nigeria will face Iran on Friday, March 27, before taking on Jordan on Tuesday, March 31, with both fixtures set to be played in the Turkish city of Antalya.
Rising Through the Ranks
At just 22, Nwaiwu’s inclusion marks another milestone in a rapidly progressing career.
He previously earned recognition at youth level, having been called up to Nigeria’s U-23 squad in March 2023 for the qualifiers for the 2024 Summer Olympics.
The defender began his professional journey with Heartland F.C. in 2021 before securing a move to Enyimba in October 2022.
During his time with Enyimba, he played a key role in their triumph in the 2022–23 Nigeria Professional Football League season.
His steady development earned him a move to Europe, joining Wolfsberger AC in September 2024 on a long-term deal.
Nwaiwu went on to feature prominently as Wolfsberger AC lifted the 2024–25 Austrian Cup—marking the club’s first major domestic title.
Strong Form in Turkey
Now plying his trade with Trabzonspor, Nwaiwu has enjoyed a solid campaign in the Turkish Super Lig.
The young defender has contributed two goals and one assist in 10 appearances this season, underlining his growing influence at club level.
His recent performances appear to have caught the attention of the Super Eagles’ coaching staff, who will be eager to assess his abilities on the international stage.
With crucial fixtures ahead, Nwaiwu now has a valuable opportunity to stake his claim for a regular spot in Nigeria’s defensive setup as the team continues to build towards future competitions.
