Chelle Opens Super Eagles Camp In South Africa

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have officially opened camp in Polokwane, South Africa, ahead of Friday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash against Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Head coach Eric Chelle and his technical crew arrived early on Monday to set up base as all 23 invited players are expected to fly in directly from their various club sides across Europe and beyond. The camp opening signals the start of Nigeria’s preparation for a must-win encounter that could shape their qualification path for the next World Cup.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that logistics have been finalised to ensure a smooth build-up before the team’s first training session scheduled for later in the day. This fixture marks Chelle’s second official outing since taking charge of the national team, and expectations are high for a strong performance after a series of mixed results in previous qualifiers.

Osimhen, Adams Lead Nigeria’s Attack As Camp Opens

Chelle will take confidence from the red-hot form of several Super Eagles players heading into international duty. Napoli striker Victor Osimhen remains in peak condition, having scored a decisive penalty in his club’s 1–0 Champions League victory over Liverpool last week. His consistency in front of goal has been a source of hope for fans anticipating a revived Super Eagles attack.

Newly invited forward Akor Adams also arrives with momentum. The Sevilla striker made headlines in Spain after scoring in his side’s emphatic 4–1 victory over Barcelona, a result that snapped the Catalan club’s long unbeaten run. His goal came from an assist by fellow Nigerian Chidera Ejuke, highlighting the growing chemistry among the nation’s attacking players abroad.

With the inclusion of other in-form stars such as Terem Moffi, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze, Nigeria’s frontline appears stacked with pace and creativity. Coach Chelle is expected to use the training sessions to fine-tune his combinations, especially with the aim of breaking down a resilient Lesotho defence that held Benin to a draw in their last outing.

Injuries Pose Challenge For Chelle’s Defence Setup

Despite the promising options in attack, the Super Eagles’ defence remains a concern. Right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel has already been ruled out due to injury, and newly invited Werder Bremen defender Felix Agu suffered an ankle knock in a Bundesliga match against St. Pauli on Saturday. Agu is scheduled for an MRI scan to determine his fitness for Friday’s tie, and his absence would force Chelle to reconsider his backline options.

In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi’s recent return from injury has not gone smoothly. The Galatasaray man struggled in the Istanbul Derby, where a costly error led to an opposition equaliser. However, he remains a key figure in Nigeria’s structure, with his experience and ball-winning ability expected to steady the team’s rhythm if he regains full match sharpness.

Chelle’s challenge will be balancing his squad’s attacking flair with defensive discipline, an issue that has repeatedly haunted Nigeria in recent matches. The coach has been vocal about the need for improved focus and teamwork, particularly against lesser-ranked sides like Lesotho, who tend to exploit lapses in concentration.

Friday’s game in Polokwane represents more than just three points, it’s an early test of Chelle’s leadership and Nigeria’s readiness to bounce back as a dominant force in African football. After the match, the Super Eagles will return home to face Benin in Uyo for their final qualifier of the year, hoping to keep their World Cup dreams firmly alive.