Byline: IDNN Sports Desk
The Super Eagles received a major boost on Tuesday night as first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali arrived in Uyo, increasing the number of players in camp to 16 on the opening day of training for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Nwabali, who suffered a minor injury scare last week with South African club Chippa United, resumed training fully fit and is expected to man the posts when Nigeria face Rwanda on Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Training was coordinated by Head Coach Eric Chelle, with team captain William Troost-Ekong leading by example. The Saudi Arabia-based defender was among the first to arrive camp on Monday, alongside goalkeeper Amas Obasogie and defenders Bruno Onyemaechi and Felix Agu. Agu, who impressed at the Unity Cup in London during the summer, featured prominently at left back in the session.
Paris FC forward Moses Simon, who scored and assisted at the weekend in Ligue 2, was also among the players in action, joined by goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye, defenders Chidozie Awaziem and Benjamin Fredericks, and midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
Wing-back Ola Aina, defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey, and midfielder Alex Iwobi have also checked into camp.
Still expected are Christantus Uche, who recently joined Crystal Palace from Getafe; Fulham’s new signing Samuel Chukwueze; Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Tolu Arokodare; and Cyriel Dessers, who completed a move to Panathinaikos.
African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman, Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, and Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika are due to arrive later today.
Nigeria will also face South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday in a Matchday 8 fixture at the Toyota Stadium, after the showdown with Rwanda.
Eagles in Camp (16 Players):
Stanley Nwabali
Alex Iwobi
Calvin Bassey
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Ola Aina
Bright Osayi-Samuel
Moses Simon
Chidozie Awaziem
Adebayo Adeleye
Benjamin Fredericks
William Troost-Ekong
Amas Obasogie
Felix Agu
Bruno Onyemaechi
Wilfred Ndidi
Frank Onyeka
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