Osimhen, others arrive Super Eagles camp ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have officially opened training camp ahead of crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

With the team’s World Cup hopes hanging in the balance, preparations have begun in earnest to ensure a turnaround in the campaign.

According to a Super Eagles social media post, as of Monday morning, six players have arrived at camp, including star striker Victor Osimhen, Olympiacos defender Bruno Onyemaechi, and home-based midfielder Papa Mustapha. Goalkeepers Kayode Bankole and Amas Obasogie, along with Belgium-based forward Tolu Arokodare, have also joined the squad.

More players are expected to arrive in the coming days as the full team assembles for the high-stakes encounters.

Head coach Éric Chelle faces mounting pressure to revive Nigeria’s qualification hopes after a poor start to the campaign.

The Super Eagles remain winless in four matches, with three draws and one defeat, leaving them in a precarious fifth place with only three points.

With just the top two teams guaranteed a spot at the World Cup, anything less than victory in their upcoming games could see Nigeria’s hopes all but dashed.

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has urged the team to show resilience and character in the must-win fixtures. Reports indicate that Chelle has emphasized tactical discipline and finishing in training sessions, as the Eagles have struggled to convert chances in recent matches.

The Super Eagles’ last World Cup appearance was in 2018, and missing out on consecutive tournaments would be a major setback for Nigerian football. The players and coaching staff will have to step up and deliver results to avoid another heartbreak for the football-loving nation.

With anticipation building, all eyes will be on the team as they prepare to battle for redemption and keep their World Cup dreams alive.

FRCN