Super Eagles Intensify Preparations With First Full Training Ahead Of Rwanda Clash

The Super Eagles intensified their preparation ahead of Saturday’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, holding their first full training session yesterday with all 23 invited players present.

Leading the final batch of arrivals was Galatasaray’s in-form striker and former African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen, who was joined by Christantus Uche, Tolu Arokodare, Samuel Chukwueze and Raphael Onyedika. Their arrival came a day after the squad welcomed Africa Player of the Year Ademola Lookman and Panathinaikos forward Cyriel Dessers, further boosting the team’s attacking options.

By Tuesday, 16 players were already in Uyo, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali completing the group. His presence was particularly reassuring for the technical crew following an injury scare two weeks ago.

Footage shared on NFFTV showed the players undergoing light body conditioning to shake off jet lag before engaging in ball drills under the supervision of head coach Franco-Malian tactician Eric Sekou Chelle and his assistants.

The crucial Group C clash, set for the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, has become a must-win for Nigeria. South Africa currently top the group with 13 points—though a FIFA ruling on their fielding of an ineligible player against Lesotho could alter the standings. Rwanda sit second with eight points, level with Benin Republic, while Nigeria trail in fourth with seven points. Lesotho and Zimbabwe follow with six and four points, respectively.

Saturday’s game comes just five months after the Eagles defeated the Amavubi 2-0 in Kigali on Matchday 5. The same 23-man squad will also travel to Bloemfontein to face South Africa at the Toyota Stadium next Tuesday in another crucial qualifier.