Super Eagles arrive South Africa ahead of Lesotho clash
The Super Eagles have touched down in Polokwane, South Africa, ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho on Friday.
Head coach Eric Chelle and his technical crew checked into The Ranch Hotel on Monday morning, with players arriving from their respective clubs across Europe and Asia.
Training is set to begin on Tuesday at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, the venue for Friday’s Group C showdown.
Injury woes hit Chelle’s defence
Chelle faces a mounting defensive crisis, with Felix Agu the latest withdrawal. The Werder Bremen defender, who was expected to replace the injured Bright Osayi-Samuel, suffered an ankle injury at the weekend and is sidelined for several months.
Nigeria’s first-choice right-back Ola Aina also remains unavailable until December after sustaining an injury during the last international break.
Midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, who recently returned from a long-term injury, looked rusty in Galatasaray’s Istanbul derby draw with Besiktas, and the medical team continues to monitor his fitness ahead of the clash.
Attack in red-hot form
Despite defensive concerns, Chelle can rely on the form of his attacking department. Victor Osimhen scored the decisive goal in Napoli’s Champions League win over Liverpool and impressed again in league action.
New invitee Akor Adams grabbed headlines in Spain, netting Sevilla’s fourth in a 4-1 victory over Barcelona, with Chidera Ejuke providing the assist.
However, discipline remains a major concern, 11 players, including Ajayi, Bassey, Ndidi, Iwobi, Lookman, and Nwabali, are one yellow card away from suspension, which could see them miss next week’s final group game against Benin Republic in Uyo.
Qualification race tightens
Nigeria currently sit third in Group C with 11 points, three behind leaders Benin and South Africa.
But their qualification hopes were boosted after CAF overturned South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho, ruling the Bafana Bafana fielded an ineligible player.
The decision, which converted the result to a 3-0 defeat for South Africa, has reopened the race for the group’s top spot.
