Head Coach Eric Sekou Chelle will have 20 players in camp for the Super Eagles’ second training session on Wednesday in Polokwane, as preparations intensify for Friday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Crocodiles of Lesotho.
As of Tuesday night, 18 players were already at the team’s base, The Ranch Hotel, with Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal) and Jerome Akor Adams (Spain) expected to join on Wednesday. Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, who plays in the United States, is due to arrive in South Africa on Thursday (today).
Chelle has made a few adjustments to his initial squad following injuries to Bright Osayi-Samuel and Cyriel Dessers, replacing them with Zaidu Sanusi and Christantus Uche of Crystal Palace. A separate injury to wing-back Felix Agu earlier reduced the list from 23 to 22 players.
However, Russia-based winger Olakunle Olusegun is yet to receive his South African entry visa, potentially leaving Nigeria with 21 available players for the encounter.
The Matchday 9 fixture will take place at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Friday, October 10, 2025, with kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m. local time (5 p.m. Nigeria time).
Chelle and his technical crew are expected to fine-tune tactical and fitness details in the final sessions before Friday’s clash, as the Super Eagles aim to secure vital points in their World Cup qualifying campaign.