The Super Eagles of Nigeria have kicked off full training in Uyo ahead of Saturday’s pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, with all 23 invited players now in camp and raring to go.
Thursday evening’s session marked the first time manager Eric Sekou Chelle had his complete squad available, as the team enters the final phase of tactical and physical preparation for what could be a defining match in Group C.
Leading the final wave of arrivals was Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen, the reigning CAF Player of the Year, alongside fellow European-based stars Christantus Uche, Tolu Arokodare, Samuel Chukwueze, and Raphael Onyedika. They joined the rest of the squad, including recent arrivals Ademola Lookman, another standout performer this season, and new Panathinaikos forward Cyriel Dessers.
Crucially, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has also returned to full training, putting to rest concerns over a recent injury scare. His presence brings added stability to a squad that will need to be defensively sharp against a well-organised Rwandan side.
Training footage released on NFFTV showed an intense session that began with body conditioning for the new arrivals, followed by high-tempo drills and ball work as Chelle and his coaching staff began implementing tactical structures for the clash.
With just three matchdays left in the group stage, the Super Eagles sit fourth in Group C on seven points, just one behind second-placed Rwanda and Benin (eight points each), and trailing leaders South Africa who have 13 points, pending FIFA’s decision on a possible points deduction related to the Lesotho match.
Saturday’s encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium is, therefore, not just about revenge for Rwanda, who lost 2-0 to Nigeria in Kigali in March, but also a must-win for Nigeria to keep automatic qualification hopes alive.
The Super Eagles will remain on the continent for another critical fixture just days later, traveling to Bloemfontein to face South Africa in a Matchday 8 showdown at the Toyota Stadium on Tuesday.
With both fixtures carrying massive implications for qualification, Nigeria’s camp is focused, injury-free, and now fully assembled, a timely boost as they look to ignite a late charge toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
