Super Eagles camp update: Samuel Chukwueze lands in Uyo for South Africa clash, joins Ndidi, Iheanacho, six others
The Super Eagles camp has officially opened ahead of Nigeria’s crucial back-to-back qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team is gearing up to host the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations winners, South Africa, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday, June 7.
Following the South Africa match, Nigeria will face the Benin Republic at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, three days later. Head coach Finidi George has invited 23 players for this key games as he aims to improve Nigeria’s shaky start in the qualification campaign.
Nine players have already arrived at the camp in Uyo, including the Leicester City duo of Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi. Joining them are two of the three NPFL-based players, Sodiq Ismail and Kenneth Igboke.
In-form Sodiq Ismail was preferred in the Super Eagles right-back position over Ola Aina, while Igboke replaced the injured Napoli star Victor Osimhen.
Other early arrivals include Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, Tanzania-based defender Benjamin Tanimu, and Hatayspor midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. Rizespor star Ibrahim Olawoyin, called up following Bayer Leverkusen’s Nathan Tella’s withdrawal, has also confirmed his arrival.
The latest addition to the Super Eagles camp is AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze. Despite recent injury concerns and his absence from AC Milan’s last two league matches and their Australian tour, Chukwueze appears fit and ready to contribute to Nigeria’s campaign.
Nigeria currently has two points, one behind South Africa and two behind Rwanda, ahead of their matchday three encounter against the Bafana Bafana. The Super Eagles will be looking to secure their first victory in the 2026 World Cup qualification campaign with these upcoming fixtures.
