The Super Eagles held their first training session in Uyo on Tuesday with 15 players available, as preparations began for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa.
Captain William Troost-Ekong was among the early arrivals as the camp officially opened on Monday, with head coach Eric Chelle overseeing training a day later.
Those who featured in the opening session included Bruno Onyemaechi, Amas Obasogie, Felix Agu, Adeleye Adebayo, Chidozie Awaziem, Benjamin Fredericks, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Moses Simon, Olaoluwa Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey, and Alex Iwobi.
More players are expected to join up by Wednesday, including first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and recent transfer-deadline movers Christantus Uche, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, and Cyriel Dessers.
Ademola Lookman, the reigning CAF African Player of the Year, along with Victor Osimhen and Raphael Onyedika, are also due to arrive.
Nigeria will host Rwanda in a match-day seven clash on Friday, September 6, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, before travelling to face South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in match-day eight at the Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein, on Tuesday, September 9.
With qualification hopes hanging in the balance, the three-time African champions are targeting maximum points from both fixtures to reignite their push for a place at the FIFA 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.