As the Nigeria national football team prepares for international friendlies against Iran and Jordan in Turkey, attention would shift to a group of players expected to define the camp amid key absences and fresh opportunities.
Head coach Eric Chelle opened camp in Antalya with notable names missing, including Victor Osimhen, while uncertainties around the squad have created room for emerging and in-form players to step up. In addition, a couple of new names have emerged alongside notable players, and these friendlies provide an opportunity for them to be seen.
A total of 15 players have been confirmed to have landed in Turkey from their respective clubs ahead of Friday and Tuesday.
Maduka Okoye – Udinese Calcio
Having featured in 22 Serie A matches this season and kept six clean sheets, the goalkeeper arrives with momentum due to the absence of Stanley Nwabali who is now out of the picture because he is without a club at the moment. Now, the Udinese goalkeeper has the chance to establish himself as the first-choice goalkeeper.
Philip Otele – Hamburger SV
Philip Otele is on loan from Basel of the Swiss Super League to Hamburger SV of the German Bundesliga. Since joining Germany’s top division, the winger has demonstrated excellent finishing and increasing effect. Even though Hamburg lost 3-2 to Borussia Dortmund over the weekend, Philip Otele scored his first Bundesliga goal for the team, marking an unforgettable milestone.It is also the first international call-up for the 26-year-old attacker.
Collins Yira Sor – KRC Genk
One of the fastest players in European football, the KRC Genk attacker received his first senior Eagles call-up. He is the kind of substitute who can disrupt a defence in 10 minutes.With 6 goals and 2 assists in 37 games, his season has been productive rather than outstanding. For him personally, the 5-1 Europa League loss to Freiburg last week was challenging.
Emmanuel Fernandez – Rangers FC
As another first caller-up, Emmanuel Fernandez arrives as one of the most in-form defenders in Europe after an impressive campaign with Rangers. In all competitions for the Scottish club, Fernandez has had six goals, a 72% success rate in aerial duels, 88% passing accuracy, and a 67% dribbling success rate. In a 4-1 thrashing of Aberdeen over the weekend, he too had a commanding 90-minute performance.
Paul Onuachu – Trabzonpor
With Osimhen unavailable, Paul Onuachu carries Nigeria’s attacking hopes into the friendlies. On loan at Trabzonspor from Southampton in 2025–2026, Onuachu is having an incredible season and becoming one of the Turkish Süper Lig’s top scorers. He has led Trabzonspor’s offence and contributed a goal on average every 84 minutes as of early March 2026, with more than 20 goals across all competitions.