The Super Eagles have arrived in Polokwane, South Africa, ahead of Friday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.
According to a statement released by the team’s media officer, Promise Efoghe, the 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 on the ground, while players are arriving in batches via Johannesburg from their respective locations.
Training is expected to begin on Tuesday (today) as the team prepares for the match against the Crocodiles at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
PUNCH Sports Extra, however, gathered that assistant coach Daniel Ogunmodede will join the camp later today after overseeing Remo Stars’ 2–0 Nigeria Premier Football League win 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 been repeatedly rejected due to poor pitch conditions and substandard infrastructure, forcing the Crocodiles to adopt South African grounds for their home fixtures.
The clash against Lesotho is decisive for Nigeria’s qualification hopes as they currently sit fourth with 11 points from eight matches, but FIFA’s recent disciplinary ruling against South Africa has dramatically reshaped the table.
The decision awarded a 3–0 victory to Lesotho and stripped South Africa of three points, leaving them tied with Benin on 14 points. Nigeria and Rwanda follow closely on 11, while Lesotho now have nine.
The Super Eagles have named a 23-man squad for the October qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin, with in-form Sevilla striker Akor Adams earning his maiden call-up.
Captain William Troost-Ekong leads a squad that also features Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze and Terem Moffi.
In defence, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Benjamin Fredrick provide options alongside Bruno Onyemaechi and Zaidu Sanusi, who was drafted in late to replace the injured Osayi-Samuel.
Stanley Nwabali remains first-choice in goal, supported by Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye, while midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka and Alhassan Yusuf are set to anchor the middle of the park.
Following a protest lodged by Lesotho, South Africa’s 2–0 win in March was overturned after the Bafana Bafana were found to have fielded an ineligible player.
With two matches remaining, Chelle’s men know that victory over Lesotho would will be very important before their final home fixture against Benin in Uyo four days later.
Two wins could lift Nigeria to 17 points, potentially enough to secure automatic qualification depending on Benin and South Africa’s remaining results.
The squad’s first training session on Tuesday will focus on recovery and tactical drills as Chelle and his assistants begin fine-tuning strategies for the must-win clash.
They will face Lesotho on Friday, October 10, at 4 pm Nigerian time at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
Credit: punchng.com
