The Super Eagles have been forced into a late defensive reshuffle following the injury to Calvin Bassey, who has been ruled out with a back injury.
Chelle invited Turkey-based Chibuike Nwaiwu as replacement for Bassey, who is expected to undergo further assessment.
Nwaiwu’s journey reflects steady growth through Nigeria’s football ranks.
A product of the country’s youth development system, he previously earned a call-up to the Nigeria U23 squad during the qualifiers for the 2024 Summer Olympics Men’s football qualification.
Domestically, he featured in the Nigeria Professional Football League with Heartland F.C. and Enyimba F.C. before making the move to Europe in 2024.
His switch to Wolfsberger AC proved to be a turning point, as he played a key role in helping the club secure the Austrian Cup their first major domestic trophy. His performances earned him a transfer to Trabzonspor in January 2026.
Since arriving Turkey, Nwaiwu has made an immediate impact.
Also read: Eritrea Mark Strong Return to AFCON Qualifiers with 2-0 Win Over Eswatini
In just 10 appearances in the Süper Lig, he has scored two goals, registered one assist, and kept three clean sheets an impressive return for a central defender.
Known for his physical presence, strong positional awareness, and versatility, Nwaiwu is capable of operating both as a centre-back and as a defensive midfielder, adding tactical flexibility to the squad.
With Nigeria set to face Jordan and Iran, the fixtures present an opportunity for Nwaiwu to impress Eric Chelle and stake his claim for a regular place in the Super Eagles lineup.
