Super Eagles grow to 13 players as Nigeria prepares for World Cup qualifiers

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have boosted their camp numbers to 13 with new players arriving in Ikot Ikpene on Tuesday, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa.

The team’s list swelled after nine additional players joined the camp, as confirmed by Promise Efoghe, the squad’s media officer. The newcomers include key talents such as Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Moses Simon, alongside others like Bright Osayi-Samuel and Benjamin Fredericks. These arrivals complement the four players, William Troost-Ekong, Amas Obasogie, Felix Agu, and Raphael Onyedika, who reported on Monday.

Efoghe revealed that of the 23 personnel invited for the qualifiers, 13 have currently checked in, with the remainder expected to arrive later Wednesday and early Thursday. He said that a total of 13 players are presently in camp, and they anticipate the others joining soon.

Preparations also include planned media activities. Efoghe added that there will be a press briefing with the coaching staff and selected players on Wednesday at Godswill Akpabio Stadium’s training ground. Additionally, a pre-match conference is set for Friday at the same venue, followed by media access during the first 15 minutes of the team’s practice session.

Among those still expected to join are goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali; defenders including Bruno Onyemaechi; midfielders like Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka; and forwards such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and others.

Nigeria’s first game in this two-match set takes place on Friday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo against Rwanda. The team will then head to Bloemfontein on Monday to face South Africa.

Currently, the Super Eagles hold third place in Group C with two points from as many matches, trailing South Africa and Rwanda, who have four points each. Only the group leader earns direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Fans eagerly await the team’s performance as the campaign progresses.