The Super Eagles have arrived in Polokwane, South Africa, ahead of Friday’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
According to team media officer Promise Efoghe, the team’s camp officially opened on Monday at The Ranch Hotel in Polokwane. The technical crew and backroom staff, led by head coach Eric Chelle, are already in camp, while players continue to arrive in batches via Johannesburg from their respective clubs.
The first training session is scheduled for Tuesday (today) as preparations intensify for the encounter against the Crocodiles at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Assistant coach Daniel Ogunmodede is expected to join the team later today after overseeing Remo Stars’ 2–0 NPFL victory over Wikki Tourists on Monday.
The fixture will take place in South Africa as Lesotho currently lack a FIFA or CAF-approved stadium suitable for hosting international matches. The country’s main venues have repeatedly failed inspections due to poor pitch conditions and inadequate infrastructure, forcing them to play their “home” games on South African soil.
The match carries huge significance for Nigeria’s qualification hopes. The Super Eagles currently sit fourth with 11 points from eight matches, but a recent FIFA disciplinary ruling against South Africa has reshuffled the group standings. FIFA awarded a 3–0 win to Lesotho after South Africa were found guilty of fielding an ineligible player in their 2–0 win in March, stripping Bafana Bafana of three points. The updated table now sees South Africa and Benin tied on 14 points, with Nigeria and Rwanda on 11, and Lesotho close behind on nine.
Nigeria have named a 23-man squad for the October qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin, featuring in-form Sevilla striker Akor Adams, who earns his first senior call-up.
Captain William Troost-Ekong leads a strong lineup that includes Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, and Terem Moffi.
In defence, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, and Benjamin Fredrick are joined by Bruno Onyemaechi and Zaidu Sanusi, who replaces the injured Bright Osayi-Samuel.
Stanley Nwabali retains his spot as first-choice goalkeeper, supported by Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye.
The midfield will be anchored by Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, and Alhassan Yusuf.
With just two matches remaining, victory over Lesotho is crucial to Nigeria’s qualification bid ahead of their final home game against Benin in Uyo four days later. Two wins could lift the Super Eagles to 17 points, potentially enough to secure automatic qualification, depending on other results.
Tuesday’s opening training session will focus on recovery and tactical adjustments as Chelle and his assistants fine-tune strategies for the must-win encounter.
The Super Eagles face Lesotho on Friday, October 10, at 4 p.m. (Nigerian time) at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
