Trabzonspor defender Chibuike Nwaiwu has been drafted into the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming friendlies against Iran and Jordan, replacing the injured Calvin Bassey. The 22-year-old Nigerian international will join the team in Antalya, Turkey, ahead of their matches against Iran on Friday, 27 March, and Jordan on Tuesday, 31 March.
Nwaiwu's inclusion in the squad marks his first call-up to the senior national team. The young defender has been in impressive form for Trabzonspor in the Turkish Super Lig, scoring two goals and providing one assist in 10 appearances this season. His experience playing for the Nigeria U-23 side in the 2024 Summer Olympics – Men's qualification matches will likely be valuable assets for the Super Eagles in the friendlies.
Nwaiwu began his senior career in Nigeria with Heartland F.C. in 2021 before moving to Enyimba, where he helped the team win the 2022–23 Nigeria Professional Football League title. His impressive performances earned him a transfer to Wolfsberger AC in Austria, where he won the 2024–25 Austrian Cup with the team.
Nwaiwu's call-up is a testament to his rapid rise through the ranks of Nigerian football. The young defender's experience and skills will undoubtedly be valuable assets for the Super Eagles in their upcoming friendlies. With his impressive performances in the Turkish Super Lig, Nwaiwu is a player to watch out for in the future. His inclusion in the squad is a positive development for the team, and it will be interesting to see how he fares in the friendlies against Iran and Jordan.
