THE Super Eagles of Nigeria have received a major boost ahead of their must-win 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying encounter against Lesotho, as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and at least 15 other players have arrived in Polokwane, South Africa, to kick-start full team preparations.
News Point Nigeria Sports reports that the players arrived on Tuesday, joining the technical crew and backroom staff who touched down a day earlier to set up the team’s training base.
Among the early arrivals are team captain William Troost-Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Terem Moffi, Moses Simon, Bruno Onyemaechi, Samuel Chukwueze, Frank Onyeka, and Tolu Arokodare.
Also in camp are returnee defender Semi Ajayi and goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali, Adebayo Adeleye, and Amas Obasogie, all of whom joined up with the coaching staff ahead of the team’s first full training session scheduled for Wednesday morning.
Team officials say a few remaining players are expected to arrive before the evening session as the Eagles intensify their build-up to Friday’s decisive clash.
Nigeria currently occupy third place in Group C of the CAF World Cup qualifying series, with 11 points from eight matches, behind South Africa and Benin Republic.
To stand a realistic chance of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the Super Eagles must win their remaining two fixtures and hope for favourable results elsewhere.
The team’s head coach, Finidi George, is expected to lead his players through intensive tactical drills and conditioning sessions over the next two days, with emphasis on finishing, defensive compactness, and team cohesion, areas that have been criticized in previous outings.
Friday’s clash against Lesotho in Polokwane is widely seen as a make-or-break encounter for Nigeria’s qualification hopes.
Team insiders say morale in the camp is “very high,” with senior players rallying teammates to stay focused and disciplined.
“We know what’s at stake, we must give everything for the jersey,” one player told reporters upon arrival.
Osimhen, who has been in top form for Napoli this season, is expected to lead the attack alongside Lookman, whose performances for Atalanta have earned widespread praise in Europe.
Supporters are hopeful that the duo’s attacking partnership, combined with Iwobi’s creativity and Ndidi’s midfield stability, will help secure all three points against the Crocodiles of Lesotho.
The Super Eagles will hold two more full training sessions on Wednesday and Thursday before Friday’s kickoff at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00pm local time (4:00pm Nigeria time).
