WATCH: Chelle welcomes Galatasaray, Fulham, Palace, Brentford stars to Super Eagles camp in South Africa

The Super Eagles’ Polokwane base came alive on Tuesday as 18 players reported for duty ahead of Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho on Friday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Head coach Eric Chelle and his backroom staff arrived on Monday to open the camp at The Ranch Hotel in Polokwane, South Africa.

The group is expected to hold its first full training session later this evening as preparations intensify for the encounter at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Super Eagles star-studded arrivals

Coach Chelle has welcomed many of the 23 players invited for the games against Lesotho and Benin Republic.

The Eagles have landed in Polokwane ahead of Friday’s clash with Lesotho .#SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/SFzCaeTOge

— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) October 7, 2025

Among the early arrivals were Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, and Fulham trio of Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze.

Also present are Saudi Arabia-based William Troost-Ekong, former Leicester City man Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, Terem Moffi, and Frank Onyeka.

The camp also welcomed Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare, Crystal Palace star Chrisantus Uche, Hull City defender Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi, and goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali, Adebayo Adeleye, and Amas Obasogie.

Here are the #SuperEagles in camp pic.twitter.com/WfVkvEGjG6

— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) October 7, 2025

Brentford defender Benjamin Frederick, who is currently on loan at Belgium Pro League Dender FC, is the latest player to arrive in camp. 

Chelle’s squad, which blends experienced internationals with promising newcomers, will be looking to build cohesion quickly before facing a Lesotho side determined to upset the odds.

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More players expected

Four players are yet to join up with the team: Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto), Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution), Akor Adams (Sevilla), and Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod).

Their arrivals in the coming hours will complete Chelle’s roster ahead of Friday’s fixture. The Super Eagles are expected to train daily until matchday, with tactical sessions planned to fine-tune shape and set-piece routines.

Nigeria, three-time Africa Cup of Nations champions, are keen to strengthen their position in Group C as the qualifying campaign nears its end.

Kick-off at the Peter Mokaba Stadium is scheduled for 6 p.m. local time (5 p.m. Nigeria time).