Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and 15 other Super Eagles players kicked off training in Polokwane, South Africa, on Tuesday ahead of Friday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Fifteen of the 16 players who arrived on Tuesday joined the evening training session at 6 p.m. local time, bringing the total number of players in action to 17. Benjamin Federick, a late arrival, missed the session but is expected to participate on Wednesday, raising the camp’s tally to 18 players.
The Super Eagles’ camp officially opened on Monday at The Ranch Hotel in Polokwane, with head coach Eric Chelle and his technical crew already in place.
Among those who trained on Tuesday were captain William Troost-Ekong, Osimhen, Lookman, Chrisantus Uche, Wilfred Ndidi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Terem Moffi, Moses Simon, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Frank Onyeka, Tolu Arokodare, Semi Ajayi, Stanley Nwabali, Adebayo Adeleye, and Amas Obasogie.
The remaining members of the 23-man squad are expected to arrive on Wednesday, including in-form Sevilla striker Akor Adams, who has earned his first Super Eagles call-up. Assistant coach Daniel Ogunmodede also joined the camp after guiding Remo Stars to a 2–0 NPFL victory over Wikki Tourists on Monday.
The fixture will be played in South Africa as Lesotho currently lack a FIFA or CAF-approved stadium for international matches.
Friday’s clash is pivotal for Nigeria’s qualification hopes, with the Super Eagles sitting fourth on 11 points from eight games. FIFA’s recent disciplinary decision awarding Lesotho a 3–0 victory over South Africa has reshaped the group standings—South Africa and Benin now lead with 14 points, followed by Nigeria and Rwanda on 11, and Lesotho on nine.
With two games left, Chelle’s men know a win against Lesotho is vital before their final qualifier against Benin in Uyo four days later. Two victories could lift Nigeria to 17 points—potentially enough to secure automatic qualification, depending on other results.
The Super Eagles face Lesotho at 4 p.m. Nigerian time on Friday at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
