Preparations for Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches have intensified, with 13 Super Eagles players now in camp in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
This follows the arrival of nine more players on Tuesday, joining the initial four who reported for duty on Monday. The update was confirmed by the team’s media officer, Promise Efoghe.
The newly arrived players are Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Moses Simon, Chidozie Awaziem, Adebayo Adeleye, and Benjamin Fredericks.
They join the earlier arrivals: William Troost-Ekong, Amas Obasogie, Felix Agu, and Raphael Onyedika.
“A total of 13 players are currently in camp. We expect the rest of the squad to arrive later today and early tomorrow,” Efoghe told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Efoghe also announced upcoming media activities for the team:
- A press conference with the coaching staff and selected players is scheduled for Wednesday at the training pitch of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
- On Friday, the official pre-match press conference will also take place at the same venue. Additionally, the first 15 minutes of training will be open to the media.
Players Still Expected in Camp:
- Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali
- Defender: Bruno Onyemaechi
- Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka
- Forwards: Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Cyriel Dessers, Christantus Uche, Tolu Arokodare
Upcoming Fixtures:
- Nigeria vs Rwanda – Friday, Matchday 7, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo
- South Africa vs Nigeria – Monday, Matchday 8, in Bloemfontein
Group C Standings (After 2 Matches):
- South Africa – 4 points
- Rwanda – 4 points
- Nigeria – 2 points
Only the group winners will secure automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Nigeria’s 23-Man Squad for the Qualifiers
Goalkeepers:
- Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
- Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania)
- Adebayo Adeleye (Volos FC, Greece)
Defenders:
- William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia)
- Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England)
- Ola 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 FC, 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 (KRC Genk, Belgium)
