Eighteen Super Eagles players have arrived in Polokwane, South Africa, ahead of Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash against Lesotho on Friday. The remaining five invited players are expected to join the team camp in the coming hours as preparations intensify for the must-win encounter.
Among those already in camp are captain William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Christantus Uche, Wilfred Ndidi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Tolu Arokodare, Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Terem Moffi, Moses Simon, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Frank Onyeka, Semi Ajayi, Adebayo Adeleye, and Benjamin Frederick.
The team arrived to a warm welcome at the Polokwane Airport before heading straight to their training base to begin final preparations under the supervision of head coach Éric Chelle. The Super Eagles will hold a series of closed training sessions at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, the venue for Friday’s match.
Nigeria currently sits third in Group C, trailing leaders Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa by three points. The encounter against Lesotho presents a vital opportunity for the Super Eagles to close the gap and strengthen their qualification chances.
The Nigerian side will rely heavily on the firepower of Osimhen and Lookman in attack, while Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi will be tasked with controlling the midfield. Defensive stability will be anchored by Troost-Ekong and Bassey as the team looks to secure all three points.
Friday’s fixture in Polokwane is expected to be a high-intensity contest, with Lesotho eager to make a statement against one of Africa’s football powerhouses. However, Nigeria’s experience and depth are expected to give them the upper hand.
The Super Eagles will return to Uyo immediately after the match to host Benin Republic on Tuesday, October 14, in another decisive World Cup qualifying encounter.
With the qualification race heating up, every point will be crucial. The team’s management and players have emphasized unity, focus, and determination as key elements in their quest to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
All eyes will be on Polokwane on Friday as Nigeria aims to reignite their World Cup campaign and hope results go their way in other centers as they target another appearance on football’s biggest stage.
