The Super Eagles have kicked off preparations for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying double-header, with 17 players already in camp ahead of Friday’s showdown against Lesotho’s Likuena in Polokwane, South Africa.

Fifteen players arrived the team’s base earlier today, joining two others who had checked in earlier, as head coach Finidi George begins fine-tuning tactics for the must-win encounter.

Among the early arrivals are African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman, star striker Victor Osimhen, team captain William Troost-Ekong, Alex Iwobi, and defender Calvin Bassey, signaling a strong commitment from Nigeria’s top guns as the race for qualification tightens.

The Eagles will face Lesotho on Friday, October 10, before returning to Uyo four days later to host Benin Republic in their final group match — fixtures that could determine Nigeria’s fate in the qualifying campaign.

Currently sitting third in the group standings, the Super Eagles must secure back-to-back victories to stand any realistic chance of reaching the 2026 World Cup to be hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Benin Republic lead the group with 14 points, edging South Africa on goal difference, while Nigeria’s margin for error has evaporated after a string of underwhelming results earlier in the campaign.

With the full squad expected to assemble within the next 24 hours, Finidi George’s men face a defining moment — one that could either revive Nigeria’s qualification hopes or leave the Eagles grounded once again.