Super Eagles Begin First Training Session Ahead of Friday’s Clash with Lesotho!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have officially commenced training ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho, following the team’s arrival at their camp in Polokwane, South Africa. [1]

Preparations Underway

• The squad is camped at The Ranch Hotel, Polokwane, which serves as the base for their preparations. [2]
• After staff and technical crew arrived first, the rest of the players are joining in batches—some already landing via Johannesburg before proceeding to Polokwane. [2]
• The first official training session is scheduled for Tuesday morning at a facility near Peter Mokaba Stadium, where the match will take place on Friday evening (Nigeria time). [2] Challenges & Focus Areas
• Coach Eric Chelle faces a defensive crisis: Felix Agu, who was expected to fill in at right-back, is ruled out following an ankle injury. [3]
• Nigeria appears to be dealing with visa complications for several newly invited players, delaying full squad assembly and forcing training adjustments. [4]
• Discipline is another concern: as many as 11 players are at risk of suspension if they pick up additional yellow cards, which could affect availability for the next match versus Benin Republic. [3]

What to Watch

• Whether all players make it to Polokwane in time to participate fully in training sessions.
• How Chelle adapts his lineup given key defensive absences.
• Whether the Super Eagles can turn preparations into confidence and cohesion ahead of the high‑stakes match.
• The impact of fan support, tactical innovations, and mental resolve under pressure.

Citations:

1. The Guardian Nigeria: guardian.ng/sport/football/players-arrive-as-super-eagles-begin-training-in-polokwane/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Africa Top Sports: en.africatopsports.com/2025/10/06/super-eagles-open-camp-in-polokwane-ahead-of-lesotho-world-cup-qualifier?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. Soccernet.ng: soccernet.ng/2025/10/super-eagles-south-africa-lesotho-chelle.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. The Nation Newspaper: thenationonlineng.net/visa-hitch-disrupts-super-eagles-preps-for-lesotho-benin/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Managing Editor of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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