Super Eagles Set to Begin Training for World Cup Qualifier Against Rwanda

The Super Eagles will commence preparations in earnest for their 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Rwanda on Tuesday (today) with their first training session, as more players are expected to join the camp, The PUNCH reports.

Nigeria’s training camp opened in Kigali on Sunday, with head coach Eric Chelle, his assistants Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu, and six players arriving early ahead of Friday’s clash.

The first batch of players in camp included Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen, newly invited Genk striker Tolu Arokodare, Bruno Onyemaechi, Remo Stars goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, Tanzania-based Amas Obasogie, and Niger Tornadoes midfielder Papa Daniel Mustapha.

However, by Monday afternoon, the squad remained at six players, who were engaged in a gym session under the guidance of the fitness trainer. More players were expected to arrive on Monday night.

"Six players participated in the gym session on Monday evening, while a significant number of the squad is expected to arrive later that night (Monday) ahead of Tuesday’s first training session," the team’s media officer, Promise Efoghe, shared via X and other official communication channels on Monday.

"Players arriving tonight (Monday) include Simon Moses, Victor Boniface, Raphael Onyedika, Jordan Torunarigha, Stanley Nwabali, Samuel Chukwueze, Bright Osayi, and Igoh Ogbu," he added.

By Tuesday morning, the squad is expected to have 14 players in camp, with nine more yet to arrive.

Other players still expected to arrive in Kigali include reigning African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman, Fulham duo Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Joe Aribo, team captain William Troost-Ekong, US-based Alhassan Yusuf, Valencia striker Sadiq Umar, and Wilfred Ndidi.

It remains uncertain whether the final nine players will arrive early enough to participate in the first training session.

Nigeria is competing in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers and faces the risk of missing out on the 2026 tournament—set to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada—after a disappointing start to their campaign.

With just three points from four matches, the three-time African champions currently sit in fifth place, four points behind group leaders Rwanda, with six games remaining.

A victory against Rwanda on Friday, which will mark coach Eric Chelle’s debut in charge, would be crucial in reigniting Nigeria’s qualification hopes—especially if results from other matches go in their favor.

Following the match against Rwanda, the Super Eagles will return home to face Zimbabwe next Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.