2026 WCQ: Eagles Camp Thrives As Osimhen, Lookman, 15 Others Train In Polokwane

The Super Eagles’ training camp in Polokwane, South Africa, has come to life with the arrival of key players, including star striker Victor Osimhen and the reigning African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman, ahead of the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho this Friday.

Head coach Eric Chelle’s side opened their camp for this important fixture on Monday, although only two players reported for duty on the first day. However, Chelle now boasts nearly a full squad, with 17 players having arrived in camp and participating in the team’s first official training session yesterday evening. Six additional players are expected to join shortly.

The players currently in camp include captain William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, Ademola 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 African champions will face Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday, October 9, before welcoming group leaders Benin to Uyo four days later.

The Eagles are in need of victories in both matches, hoping that both Benin and South Africa stumble in their final qualifiers to secure an automatic place in the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

Currently, Nigeria sits third in the group with 11 points, three points behind both Benin and South Africa, with two rounds of matches remaining in the qualifying series. The group winners will qualify directly for the World Cup, while the runners-up may still have an opportunity through an intercontinental playoff.