The Super Eagles of Nigeria held their first training session at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo after the arrival of thirteen players invited for the doubleheader against Rwanda and South Africa.

The team, led by captain William Troost-Ekong, will hope to defeat Rwanda to keep its qualification hopes alive as they struggle for a slot in the tournament.

The video, shared by the team’s official Instagram handle, showed the players going through a light warm-up session.

The pressure on the team is at an all-time high as the Super Eagles sit fourth in Group D with just one win from six games. Leaders South Africa top the pool on 13 points, with Rwanda and Benin both ahead of Nigeria on eight. Only the group winner is guaranteed a place at the 2026 World Cup, leaving the Super Eagles with no margin for error.

Eric Chelle’s men host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday before travelling to Bloemfontein for Tuesday’s showdown with South Africa. Rwanda’s squad is expected to land in Lagos before connecting to Uyo later on Tuesday.

Nigeria need to secure back-to-back victories against the Amavubi and Bafana Bafana to revive hopes of reaching the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026. Anything less, and qualification risks slipping out of reach.

Meanwhile, Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, and first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali are yet to report to camp.

Winger Samuel Chukwueze, striker Tolu Arokodare, and forward Chrisantus Uche are also absent, as they were finalising transfers late in the window. Their arrival is expected in the coming days.

SUPER EAGLES IN CAMP:

Alex Iwobi; Calvin Bassey; Fisayo Dele-Bashiru; Ola Aina; Bright Osayi-Samuel; Moses Simon; Chidozie Awaziem; Adebayo Adeleye; Benjamin Fredericks; William Troost-Ekong; Amas Obasogie; Felix Agu; Bruno Onyemaechi; Wilfred Ndidi; Frank Onyeka; Stanley Nwabali.

STILL EXPECTED:

Chrisantus Uche; Samuel Chukwueze; Tolu Arokodare; Cyriel Dessers; Ademola Lookman; Victor Osimhen; Raphael Onyedika.

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