Aina, Bassey, Iwobi, Ekong in: Super Eagles camp nears full strength as Chelle awaits Sadiq and Yusuf

Nigeria’s preparations for their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Rwanda are gathering pace, with 21 players now in camp in Kigali, Footynaija.com reports.

Only two invitees — Valencia striker Sadiq Umar and NE Revolution midfielder Alhassan Yusuf — are yet to report for duty.

The Super Eagles camp officially opened on Sunday night, with the arrival of team staff, technical crew, and an initial group of six players.

Among them were Napoli forward Victor Osimhen, KRC Genk striker Tolu Arokodare, Boavista defender Bruno Onyemaechi, and three goalkeepers—Kayode Bankole, Amas Obasogie, and Papa Daniel.

The “Innit” boys are in Super Eagles camp in Rwanda. #PoojaInRwanda pic.twitter.com/2mwn6OvDUT

— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) March 18, 2025

On Monday, the squad wasted no time in getting to work, engaging in a fitness-focused gym session under the watchful eyes of head coach Eric Chelle and his backroom staff. A video shared online showed the players being put through their paces, highlighting the intensity of their early preparations.

By Monday night, the camp had welcomed a fresh wave of arrivals, significantly boosting the squad numbers. Reports had earlier indicated that Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface, AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze, and Slavia Prague defender Igoh Ogbu were among those expected to join.

By Tuesday morning, the Super Eagles had nearly reached full strength, with a host of key players reporting for international duty.

The latest arrivals included Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, Southampton’s Joe Aribo, Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, Fulham defender Calvin Bassey, and Nottingham Forest duo Alex Iwobi and Ola Aina. Their presence brings the squad tally to 21, leaving Chelle with only two outstanding players before he has his full squad at his disposal.

William Ekong
Wilfred Ndidi
Calvin Bassey
Ademola Lookman
Alex Iwobi
Joseph Aribo
Igoh Ogbu
Bright Osayi-samuel
Ola Aina

9 more players arrive this morning pic.twitter.com/xcGKXUkuTY

— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 18, 2025

Must-win encounter for Nigeria

With Nigeria languishing in fifth place in Group C with just three points, the stakes could not be higher. Their upcoming clash against group leaders Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium on Friday is a must-win if they are to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive.

Eric Chelle, who took charge of the team earlier this year, will be eager to see a strong reaction from his players as they aim to turn around their campaign. With a squad brimming with attacking firepower and defensive solidity, the Super Eagles will be looking to make a statement in Kigali.

A full-strength Nigeria squad is expected to hold its first full training session later today, as Chelle fine-tunes his tactics for what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.