Osimhen, Lookman, and 15 Other Super Eagles Stars Arrive in South Africa for World Cup Qualifier
17 Super Eagles players, including Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, have arrived in South Africa for Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.
The team began full training sessions in Polokwane on Tuesday.
17 Super Eagles players, including top strikers Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, have arrived in Polokwane, South Africa, as Nigeria steps up preparations for Friday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho.
The players joined the team’s camp on Tuesday, a day after the technical crew and backroom staff settled in to officially begin preparations. The arrival of the foreign-based stars has now boosted the team’s readiness ahead of full training sessions scheduled for midweek.
Among those already in camp are captain William Troost-Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Terem Moffi, Moses Simon, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Frank Onyeka, and striker Tolu Arokodare.
Also present are goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali, Adebayo Adeleye, and Amas Obasogie, as well as defender Semi Ajayi, who returns to the national team setup after missing recent fixtures.
Nigeria currently sits third in Group C of the CAF World Cup qualifying series, with 11 points from eight matches. The Super Eagles must win their remaining two games and rely on favorable results from South Africa and Benin Republic to keep their qualification hopes alive.
The team is expected to hold multiple training sessions in Polokwane before Friday’s must-win encounter. Head coach Finidi George is hopeful that the players’ strong form in their respective clubs will help Nigeria secure maximum points.
Lesotho, who have been one of the group’s surprise performers, will host Nigeria at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter for both sides.
The Super Eagles, three-time African champions, will be under pressure to deliver after a series of inconsistent results in the qualifiers. A win in South Africa would boost their chances of finishing among the top teams in the group and moving closer to securing a place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
