In a statement released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), it was revealed that the atmosphere around the Super Eagles camp has been invigorated by the presence of five players: Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Frank Onyeka, Paul Onuachu, and the aforementioned Bassey. These players had faced travel challenges due to a nationwide strike but were promptly ferried into Uyo via a private jet arranged by the NFF.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are in full preparation mode as they gear up for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The team, led by head coach Calvin Bassey, recently received a boost with the arrival of several key players to their Uyo camp. The quintet’s arrival brings the total number of players in camp to 20, just three days before the crucial Day 3 qualifying battle against Bafana Bafana at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in the Akwa Ibom capital.
Yesterday, the Super Eagles trained behind closed doors at the Godswill Akpabio practice pitch, fine-tuning their strategies and tactics. Tonight, they are expected to step onto the main bowl of the stadium for further preparations.
Nigeria, a team that has previously reached the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup, missed out on the last global football extravaganza in Qatar. Their journey in the current qualifiers started sluggishly, but they now recognize the urgency of securing all three points in Group C. The coveted World Cup ticket hangs in the balance, and the Super Eagles are determined to claim it.
Interestingly, Rwanda currently leads the group standings with four points after two matchdays. South Africa follows closely with three points, while Nigeria sits at two points. The competition remains fierce, and every goal and victory matter.
The upcoming match against South Africa holds special significance. It’s a rematch of this year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) first semi-final, where the Super Eagles emerged victorious with a 4-2 win after a penalty shootout at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake. Now, they aim to replicate that success on the international stage.
The 10-match series will conclude in October next year, with the winners of the nine groups automatically qualifying for the World Cup finals in Canada, the USA, and Mexico. Additionally, the best four second-placed teams across all groups will engage in a CAF Play-off Tournament, vying for a chance to contest the FIFA Play-off Tournament.
As the Super Eagles lace up their boots and prepare to battle, Nigerian football fans eagerly await their journey toward World Cup glory. With Bassey and his teammates in top form, hopes are high that Nigeria will once again make its mark on the global stage.
