Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, was among the first arrivals as Nigeria officially opened camp in Uyo on Monday ahead of their all-important 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
The experienced defender, alongside goalkeeper Amas Obasogie and defender Bruno Onyemaechi, checked into the team’s base at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel.
Troost-Ekong and Obasogie were the first to make their way into camp earlier in the day, showing leadership and commitment as the team looks to set the right tone for the qualifiers.
Onyemaechi, who plies his trade in Europe, joined shortly after to swell the number of early arrivals.
The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed that more invited players are expected to trickle in as the day progresses, with the bulk of the squad scheduled to arrive between Monday night and Tuesday morning.
The early arrivals will undergo routine assessments by the team’s medical staff before the first training session.
Head coach Eric Chelle has called up 23 players for the crucial double-header, which could prove decisive in Nigeria’s quest to secure an early advantage in Group C of the African qualifiers.
The list features a blend of experienced internationals and promising talents, ensuring depth and competition for places across all departments of the team.
According to team officials, the Eagles will train behind closed doors on Tuesday at the practice pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
The session will focus on tactical drills, fitness assessments, and ball work as the squad begins to fine-tune strategies for the matches ahead.
Nigeria faces Rwanda first before locking horns with Zimbabwe, and both fixtures are being treated as must-win encounters.
The Super Eagles, still chasing a sixth World Cup appearance, know that anything short of maximum points could complicate their chances of topping the group and booking a place at the global showpiece in 2026.
