By Mercy Gadia Adi
The number Super Eagles’ players camp has risen to 13 as Nigeria steps up preparations for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.
According to Promise Efoghe, the team’s media officer, nine additional players arrived at the camp in Ikot Ekpene on Tuesday, joining the four who had reported earlier on Monday.
The new arrivals include Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Moses Simon, Chidozie Awaziem, Adebayo Adeleye, and Benjamin Fredericks.
They linked up with William Troost-Ekong, Amas Obasogie, Felix Agu, and Raphael Onyedika, who were the first batch of players to check into camp.
Efoghe confirmed that of the 23 players invited for the double-header fixtures, 13 are now on ground while 10 more are expected.
“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 told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The media officer also outlined the team’s upcoming engagements with the press.
He said a press conference featuring the coaching staff and selected players will hold on Wednesday at the training pitch of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Furthermore, on Friday, the official pre-match press conference will take place at the same venue, with the first 15 minutes of training open to journalists for coverage.
Among those yet to report to camp are goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali; defender Bruno Onyemaechi; midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka; as well as forwards Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Cyriel Dessers, Christantus Uche, and Tolu Arokodare.
Their arrival is expected to further strengthen preparations ahead of Saturday’s encounter.
Nigeria will host Rwanda on Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, in a Matchday 7 fixture of the African qualifiers. The Super Eagles will then travel to Bloemfontein, South Africa, for a Matchday 8 clash on Monday.
The three-time African champions currently sit third in Group C with two points from two matches, trailing leaders South Africa and Rwanda who both have four points each, with the Bafana Bafana ahead on goal difference.
Only the team finishing first in the group will qualify automatically for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Full 23-Man Squad
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa);
Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania);
Adeleye Adebayo (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).