Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle will have 20 players available for Nigeria’s second training session on Wednesday in Polokwane, as the team continues its build-up to Friday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho.
As of Tuesday night, 18 players were already in camp at The Ranch Hotel, with Portugal-based defender Zaidu Sanusi and Spain-based forward Akor Adams expected to join up with the squad on Wednesday. Midfielder Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, who plays in the United States for New England Revolution, is due to arrive on Thursday.
Chelle has had to make a few late adjustments to his initial squad following a string of injuries. Defender Bright Osayi-Samuel and forward Cyriel Dessers were ruled out, prompting call-ups for Sanusi and Crystal Palace’s Christantus Uche. A knock to wing-back Felix Agu further reduced the team from 23 to 22 players.
Meanwhile, Russia-based winger Olakunle Olusegun is yet to secure an entry visa into South Africa, meaning the Super Eagles could play the encounter with 21 players if the issue is not resolved before matchday.
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Friday’s Matchday 9 encounter will take place at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane and will kick off at 6pm local time (5pm Nigeria time).
Team captain William Ekong led Tuesday’s training session, while Victor Osimhen who missed the last qualifier against South Africa due to injury, has rejoined the squad and trained fully with the group.
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