Super Eagles take flight as Iwobi, Bassey, Aina lead 13-man squad to Uyo
The Super Eagles’ camp in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom, has come alive with the arrival of more players as Nigeria intensifies preparations for its crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa.
It was reported that on Tuesday, nine new arrivals; Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Moses Simon, Chidozie Awaziem, Adebayo Adeleye, and Benjamin Fredericks joined the early birds who had checked in on Monday.
Those who arrived earlier include team captain William Troost-Ekong, goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defender Felix Agu, and midfielder Raphael Onyedika.
With this, the total number of players in camp now stands at 13 out of the 23-man squad invited by head coach Finidi George.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria, the team’s media officer, Promise Efoghe, confirmed that the camp will be at full strength soon.
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“A total of 13 players are currently in camp, and we are expecting the rest of the squad to arrive later today and early tomorrow,” he said.
Efoghe also outlined the media schedule for the week, announcing that a press conference with the coaching crew and selected players will hold on Wednesday at the training pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
The pre-match press briefing for Friday’s clash against Rwanda will also take place at the same venue, with the first 15 minutes of training opened to journalists.
Among the players still expected are first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defender Bruno Onyemaechi, midfield duo Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, as well as attacking stars Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Cyriel Dessers, Christantus Uche, and Tolu Arokodare.
Nigeria, currently sitting third in Group C with two points from two matches, will face Rwanda in Uyo on Friday in a Matchday 7 fixture, before traveling to Bloemfontein, South Africa, to take on Bafana Bafana in a Matchday 8 showdown on Monday.
Group leaders South Africa and Rwanda have four points each, meaning the Super Eagles must secure victories to keep alive hopes of an automatic ticket. Only the top team in the group qualifies directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has urged fans in Uyo to troop out in large numbers to cheer the Eagles, stressing that home support could prove decisive in what is already shaping up to be a fiercely contested qualifying campaign.
Below is the full list of players invited for the Rwanda, South Africa games:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabili (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France); Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender, Belgium)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Christantus Uche (Getafe, Spain)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Cyriel Dessers (Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium).
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