eric chelle.webp
The Digest:

The Super Eagles have intensified preparations in Polokwane with 20 players for Friday’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho. According to Score Nigeria, the squad is under immense pressure, with Coach Eric Chelle managing a squad impacted by injuries and late arrivals as Nigeria fights for its World Cup future.

Key Points:
  • Twenty players participated in the team's second training session in South Africa.
  • Eighteen players were in camp as of Tuesday, with Zaidu Sanusi and Jerome Akor Adams expected to join on Wednesday.
  • Midfielder Alhassan Yusuf is scheduled to arrive from the USA on Thursday.
  • Injuries to Bright Osayi-Samuel and Cyriel Dessers have forced squad changes.
  • Defender Felix Agu was also ruled out, reducing the original squad to 22 players.
  • Coach Eric Chelle has called up Zaidu Sanusi and Christantus Uche as replacements.
  • The match is a must-win for Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
With the margin for error gone, these final training sessions are critical for building cohesion ahead of a match that will define Nigeria’s qualifying campaign.

Sources: Score Nigeria