Eagles’ camp awaits Iwobi, Lookman, six others as 15 players begin training

Europa League hat-trick hero, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, and Calvin Bassey are among eight players still being expected at the Super Eagles’ Uyo camp as the senior national team began training for Friday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against South Africa.

Alsoyet to join the squad are Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Frank Onyeka, and Paul Onuachu.

The Super Eagles’ camp opened in the Akwa State capital on Thursday with the arrival of the technical crew, support staff and some officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Some players arrived on Friday, while others joined on Saturday to be part of the team’s first training session that evening.

The team had their second training session at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium yesterday with 15 players. More players were expected to join the squad yesterday as the Eagles begin their final preparation for the game they must win to return to contention for the only ticket available in Group C of the 2026 World Cup African qualifying series.

Those in camp ahead of yesterday’s evening training session are:Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze, Fisayo Bashiru, Terem Moffi, Stanley Nwabali, Ismail Sodiq and Kenneth Igboke.

Others are Ojo Olorunleke, Benjamin Tanimu, Ibrahim Olawoyin, Victor ⁠Boniface, ⁠Raphael Onyedika, ⁠Chidozie Awaziem, and ⁠Alhassan Yusuf.

The Super Eagles are staying at the Ibom Golf Resort Hotel, the same base they used during their successful qualification for the 2018 World Cup.

The Super Eagles will play Bafana Bafana at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday and travel to Cote d’Ivoire to meet Benin Republic on Monday, June 10.

Nigeria is currently third in Group C with two points from two matches, trailing leaders Rwanda by two points and South Africa by one.

The group winner after 10 matches will qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.