Nigeria began their preparations for Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho with a lively first training session in Polokwane, as 17 players took to the pitch under coach Eric Chelle’s supervision.
The session, described as light and spirited, saw Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen leading the early arrivals alongside several key figures including captain William Troost-Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze. Also involved were Frank Onyeka, Terem Moffi, Moses Simon, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, Stanley Nwabali, Adebayo Adeleye, Amas Obasogie, Tolu Arokodare, and Crystal Palace’s Christantus Uche.
Brentford loanee Benjamin Fredrick later linked up with the squad before the end of the day, bringing Chelle’s side closer to full strength.
Five more players are still expected to join ahead of the trip to the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The Super Eagles sit third in Group C behind Benin Republic and South Africa after a frustrating start to their qualifying campaign, which has yielded four draws from as many matches.
Their previous meeting with Lesotho ended 1-1 in Uyo last November, when Semi Ajayi cancelled out Motlomelo Mkwanazi’s second-half opener.
Despite their precarious position, the mood in camp remains upbeat as the three-time African champions aim to revive their qualification hopes with back-to-back wins against Lesotho and Benin Republic.
Coach Chelle made two late changes to his initial 23-man squad due to fitness concerns, calling up FC Porto defender Zaidu Sanusi in place of Bright Osayi-Samuel, while Uche was drafted in for the injured Cyriel Dessers.
Nigeria will face Leslie Notsi’s Crocodiles in Polokwane on Friday before travelling to Abidjan to take on Gernot Rohr’s Benin Republic four days later, knowing that only victories will keep their World Cup dream alive.
