The Super Eagles will begin preparations earnestly for their 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Rwanda on Tuesday (today) with their first training session fixed in anticipation of more players in the team’s camp, The PUNCH reports.
Nigeria’s camp opened in Kigali on Sunday with coach Eric Chelle and his assistants; Daniel Ogunmodede as well Fidelis Ilechukwu and six players hitting the team’s base first ahead of Friday’s encounter.
The first six players in camp were Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen, newly invited Genk striker Tolu Arokodare, Bruno Onyemaechi, Remo Stars goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, Tanzania-based Amas Obasogie and Niger Tornadoes midfielder Papa Daniel Mustapha.
However, the number of players didn’t grow beyond six as of Monday afternoon and they were engaged in a gym session by the fitness trainer. More players were expected in camp on Monday night.
“Six available players in the gym session on Monday evening. A sizeable number of the squad will arrive tonight (Monday) ahead of Tuesday’s first training session,” the team’s media officer, Promise Efoghe posted via X and other official communication platforms on Monday.
“Eagles arriving tonight (Monday) – Simon Moses, Victor Boniface, Raphael Onyedika, Jordan Torunarigha, Stanley Nwabali, Samuel Chukwueze, Bright Osayi and Igoh Ogbu,” he added.
As of Tuesday morning, the number of players in camp is expected to be 14 while they await nine others.
Other players that are still Kigali-bound are reining African Player of The Year Ademola Lookman, Fulham duo Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Joe Aribo, captain William Troost-Ekong, US-based Alhassan Yusuf, Valencia striker Sadiq Umar and Wilfred Ndidi.
It remains to be seen if the last nine players expected in camp will be early enough to take part in the first session.
Nigeria are campaigning in Group C of the qualifying series and they risk missing out on the 2026 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, following a disappointing start to their qualifying campaign.
After four matches, the three-time African champions sit in fifth place with just three points, four points behind leaders Rwanda, with six games left to play in the qualifying series.
A win against Rwanda, which will be coach Chelle’s first game in charge of the team, will go a long way in reviving the team’s hope – as well as results from other matches.
After facing Rwanda on Friday, the Super Eagles will return home for the second game of this window against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo next Tuesday.
