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Lesotho vs. Nigeria: 18 Super Eagles undergo first training in Polokwane
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In a demonstration of seriousness attached to Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho, an impressive 18 players yesterday underwent Super Eagles’ first training in Polokwane, South Africa.
In the mix under Coach Eric Sekou Chelle and his assistants, were the team’s leaders including captain
Wilfred Troost Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi , Moses Simon , Victor Osimhen and African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman.
There was the also the full contingent from England-based stars including the Fulham’s trio of Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze as well as Frank Onyeka, Tolu Arokodare and defender Semi Ajayi.
The three invited goalkeepers including South Africa-based Stanley Nwabali as well as Tanzania –based Amas Obasogie and Greece-based Adebayo Adeleye were also at the team’s first session in the Limpopo province of South Africa. They were complemented by the quartet of Chrisantus Uche, Bruno Onyemaechi , Benjamin Fredrick and Terem Moffi who’s making a return to the fold after a long injury-enforced absence.
The 18 players that trained yesterday in Polokwane represented over 75 per cent of the players invited for the upcoming double header against Lesotho and Benin as the Super Eagles intensify their training sessions for the two must-win encounters in this October International window starting with Friday’s away match to Lesotho and next Tuesday’s match in Uyo against The Cheetahs of Benin.
Though there was no official statement, the late arrivals of the remaining five players including
Akor Adams (Sevilla), Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod), Felix Agu (Werder Bremen) , Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City) and Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution), might not be unconnected with delay in procuring an entry visas to South Africa as widely reported on Monday.
A top official of the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) had hinted on Monday that just three players were in dire straits as per getting entry visas into the former apartheid enclave.
But it remains to be seen when these players will join the camp as the build up to Friday’s showdown at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane gathers steam.
SUPER EAGLES’ ALREADY IN POLOKWANE :
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Adebayo Adeleye (Volos FC, Greece)
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia), Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England), Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Benjamin Fredrick (Dender, Belgium)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England), Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey), Chrisantus Uche (Getafe, Spain)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy), Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey), Moses Simon (Paris FC, France), Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium), Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France).
PLAYERS YET TO ARRIVE IN POLOKWANE:
Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England), Bruno , Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany), Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA),Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain), Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia).
Nigeria’s Super Falcons will begin the defence of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title when they take on tournament debutants Malawi at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat on Tuesday night. The reigning African champions head into the encounter as overwhelming favourites, but are expected to face a determined Malawi side eager to make a memorable first appearance at the continental showpiece.
The Super Falcons lifted the trophy last year after a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over hosts Morocco in the final, reaffirming their status as Africa’s most successful women’s national team. However, Morocco’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Kenya in Sunday’s opening match has underlined the fierce competition awaiting Nigeria as they seek to retain their crown.
Despite Malawi’s debut status, the Scorchers possess dangerous attacking threats in sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, whose pace and finishing ability could trouble any defence. Coach Lovemore Fazili also boasts experienced players including defenders Ireen Khumalo, Olivia Phikani and Benadetta Mkandawire, midfielders Rose Kadzere, Letticia Chinyamula and Faith Chinzimu, as well as forwards Vanessa Chikupira and Deborah Henry.
Malawi head into the tournament with mixed results, having suffered friendly defeats to Morocco and Ghana over the past year, while earning a respectable draw against Zambia before comfortably overcoming Angola in their final qualifying fixture. The Scorchers will be hoping to upset the defending champions and announce their arrival on the continental stage in style.
Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has warned against complacency, insisting his players will treat Malawi with the respect they deserve. Speaking ahead of the match in Rabat, Madugu said every team that qualified for the tournament had earned its place and should not be underestimated. He stressed that Nigeria would remain focused on its mission of successfully defending the WAFCON title.
Anthony Joshua remains on course for a showdown with British heavyweight rival Tyson Fury later this year after recovering from being knocked down inside 20 seconds to secure a second-round knockout of Kristian Prenga in a wild clash in Jeddah.
Joshua endured a dismal first three minutes, hitting the canvas twice, firstly from a vicious uppercut, with the Albanian knockout specialist eyeing a seismic shock.
However, Prenga was demolished shortly after by right hands in AJ’s first outing since he was a passenger in a car crash last December that killed close friends Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.
Arsenal are reportedly considering the possibility of signing Real Madrid superstar Vinícius Júnior in what could become one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer.
According to respected transfer journalist David Ornstein, the Gunners have internally approved the idea of pursuing the Brazilian winger if he fails to agree a new contract with the Spanish giants.
While there have been no club-to-club negotiations at this stage, the interest is said to have the backing of Arsenal’s hierarchy, with the North London club closely monitoring the player’s contract situation.
Vinícius has entered the final 12 months of his current deal at Real Madrid, raising questions about his long-term future at the Santiago Bernabéu. Madrid are keen to avoid losing one of their biggest stars on a free transfer and are also mindful of a substantial loyalty bonus that would become due if he remains at the club into next season.
Despite the growing speculation, the move remains in its early stages, with no formal talks having taken place between the clubs. However, Ornstein reports that Vinícius is among Arsenal’s primary transfer targets should an opportunity arise.
The Brazilian international has established himself as one of the world’s top attacking players since joining Real Madrid, playing a key role in the club’s domestic and European successes. Any potential deal would likely require a significant transfer fee and a major financial commitment from Arsenal.
For now, Arsenal are keeping a close watch on developments, with Vinícius’ contract negotiations expected to determine whether the Premier League side can turn their ambitious interest into a formal pursuit.
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