Cynthia Ezegwu
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have arrived in Polokwane, South Africa, ahead of Friday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash against Lesotho.
According to a statement by the team’s media officer, Promise Efoghe, the players and officials are lodged at The Ranch Hotel, where camp officially opened on Monday.
Head coach Eric Chelle and his technical crew are already on the ground, while players are arriving in batches through Johannesburg from their various bases. Training is expected to commence on Tuesday (today) as the team intensifies preparations for the decisive encounter at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Assistant coach Daniel Ogunmodede is expected to join the camp later today after leading Remo Stars to a 2–0 Nigeria Premier Football League victory over Wikki Tourists on Monday.
Friday’s fixture will be played in South Africa because Lesotho currently lacks a FIFA- or CAF-approved stadium fit for international matches. The Crocodiles have been forced to adopt South African venues due to poor pitch conditions and inadequate infrastructure in their own country.
The match is particularly vital for Nigeria’s qualification hopes. The Super Eagles sit fourth in their group with 11 points from eight games, following FIFA’s recent ruling that awarded Lesotho a 3–0 win over South Africa for fielding an ineligible player. The decision reshaped the standings, leaving South Africa and Benin on 14 points, Nigeria and Rwanda on 11, and Lesotho on nine.
Head coach Chelle has named a 23-man squad for the double-header against Lesotho and Benin Republic, with Sevilla striker Akor Adams earning his first call-up. Captain William Troost-Ekong leads the squad, which includes Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, and Terem Moffi.
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In defence, the options include Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Benjamin Fredrick, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Zaidu Sanusi, who replaced the injured Osayi-Samuel. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali retains his spot as first choice, with Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye as backups.
Midfield anchors Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, and Alhassan Yusuf are expected to control the middle as the Super Eagles target maximum points from their remaining two fixtures.
Nigeria will face Lesotho on Friday, October 10, at 4 p.m. Nigerian time, before hosting Benin Republic in Uyo four days later. Two victories could lift the Eagles to 17 points and place them within touching distance of securing a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.