Nigeria’s Super Eagles are pressing on with calm resolve as a few travel hitches trimmed their 23-man squad ahead of Friday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho in Polokwane, South Africa.

Star striker Victor Osimhen has returned to the fold after missing the clash against South Africa in Bloemfontein due to injury, giving a major boost to the team’s attacking options.

However, Russia-based forward Olakunle Olusegun is yet to secure an entry visa to South Africa, raising the possibility that the Eagles may go into the tie with 21 available players.

Head Coach Eric Sekou Chelle had 20 players on the ground for Wednesday’s second training session at The Ranch Hotel, Polokwane, where the team continues its preparations for the match against the Crocodiles.

By Tuesday night, 18 players had arrived in camp, with Portugal-based defender Zaidu Sanusi and Spain-based forward Jerome Akor Adams expected to join on Wednesday. United States-based midfielder Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi is also due to arrive on Thursday.

Chelle has made late adjustments to his squad following injuries to Bright Osayi-Samuel and Cyriel Dessers, prompting the inclusion of Zaidu Sanusi and Christantus Uche of Crystal Palace. Earlier, a knock to wing-back Felix Agu had reduced the initial 23-man list to 22.

Team captain William Ekong was among those who trained on Tuesday, setting the tone for a spirited final build-up to Friday’s fixture.

The Matchday 9 clash will kick off at 6 p.m. South Africa time (5 p.m. Nigeria time) at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, as the Super Eagles seek to consolidate their position in the 2026 World Cup qualifying race.

21 Super Eagles to Battle Lesotho in Polokwane:

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)

Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium).

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Christantus Uche (Crystal Palace, England).

Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Jerome Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain).