Supporters Club may miss South Africa trip
Super Eagles’ new defensive sensation, Benjamin Fredericks, was the last player to arrive at the Super Eagles’ The Ranch Hotel camp, Polokwani, South Africa, ahead of yesterday’s opening training session for Friday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.
Four other players, including leftback, Zaidu Sanusi, Akor Adams, Alhassan Yusuf and Ola Olusegunare, according to team officials, are expected to arrive in South Africa today.
Fredericks has been immaculate in the Super Eagles’ central defence since he made his debut for the team this year.
The Brentford of England star is expected to start Friday’s game against the Crocodiles of Lesotho.
As at last night, only 18 of the 23 invited players were on hand for the Super Eagles first training session in South Africa.
Goalkeepers Dele Adeleye and Amos Obasogie were already settled in camp at Polokwane, while 15 other players touched down in Johannesburg to join the team’s base.
Leading the latest arrivals is Galatasaray striker, Victor Osimhen, who made his return to action last week in the UEFA Champions League clash against Liverpool.
Osimhen missed Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with South Africa due to an injury sustained during the 1-0 defeat of Rwanda in Uyo last month.
Also back in the fold is Ademola Lookman, who has resolved his transfer impasse with Atalanta and is fit for the double-header.
Captain William Troost-Ekong, midfield dynamo Wilfred Ndidi, Bruno Onyemechi, Terem Moffi, and Moses Simon all trained yesterday.
South Africa-based goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was among the early birds, while the England-based contingent, including Uche Chrisantus, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Tolu Arokodare, Samuel Chukwueze, Frank Onyeka, and Semi Ajayi, also joined the session.
Meanwhile, there are indications that the Super Eagles could play against Lesotho without the Nigeria-based members of the Supporters Club.
The Guardian, learnt, yesterday, that members are still waiting for either the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) or the National Sports Commission (NSC) for the flight arrangement for the trip to South Africa.
