Osimhen, Lookman Swell Super Eagles Polokwane Camp for Must-Win Lesotho Clash
Nigeria’s quest for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensified on Tuesday as at least 17 Super Eagles players, including star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, linked up with the squad in Polokwane, South Africa.
The influx of key personnel marks a significant step in the team’s preparations for Friday’s crucial World Cup qualifying fixture against Lesotho.
The players arrived a day after the technical crew and backroom staff had officially set up the team’s base, signaling the commencement of focused training sessions.
The roster of early arrivals boasts a strong mix of experience and emerging talents.
Among the established names already in camp are captain William Troost-Ekong, midfield linchpins Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, and seasoned attackers Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze.
Joining them are defenders Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi, and the returning Semi Ajayi. The forward line is further bolstered by Terem Moffi and Tolu Arokodare, alongside the aforementioned Osimhen and Lookman, who are expected to spearhead the attack. Midfielder, Alex Iwobi also checked into the camp.
Crucially, all three goalkeepers—Stanley Nwabali, Adebayo Adeleye, and Amas Obasogie—have also joined their teammates and the coaching staff, ready for the rigorous training ahead.
The atmosphere in the camp is expected to be one of high intensity, given Nigeria’s precarious position in the qualifying race.
The Super Eagles currently sit third in Group C of the CAF World Cup qualifying series with 11 points from eight matches.
With only two matches remaining, the three-time African champions face a high-stakes scenario. To keep their dream of World Cup qualification alive, the Super Eagles must secure maximum points from their two remaining fixtures and simultaneously rely on favourable outcomes from the matches involving Group C rivals South Africa and the Benin Republic.
Friday’s clash against Lesotho in Polokwane is therefore being billed as a decisive, must-win encounter that will significantly shape Nigeria’s path in the qualification series. Full-team training is set to begin as the squad fine-tunes tactics for the make-or-break game.
