The Super Eagles have stepped up preparations for Friday’s all-important 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Crocodiles of Lesotho, with 20 players now in camp under Head Coach Eric Sekou Chelle.
Zoyols Blog gathered that 18 players were already lodged at The Ranch Hotel in Polokwane as of Tuesday night, while Portugal-based defender Zaidu Sanusi and Spain-based striker Jerome Akor Adams were expected to join the group on Wednesday. U.S.-based midfielder Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi is also due to arrive in South Africa on Thursday.
Chelle has been forced to make last-minute adjustments to his squad following injuries to defender Bright Osayi-Samuel and forward Cyriel Dessers, bringing in Zaidu Sanusi and Crystal Palace star Christantus Uche as replacements. A knock to wing-back Felix Agu further reduced the team list from 23 to 22 players.
Meanwhile, Russia-based forward Olakunle Olusegun is yet to secure a South African entry visa, which could see Nigeria face Lesotho with just 21 players available for selection.
The match, scheduled for Friday, October 10, 2025, will take place at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. Kickoff is 6 p.m. local time (5 p.m. in Nigeria).
Zoyols Blog reports that Chelle’s squad features a mix of experience and youth, with the likes of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and Wilfred Ndidi leading the charge as the Super Eagles aim to secure maximum points on the road.
