The Super Eagles of Nigeria officially kicked off their World Cup qualifying preparations on Monday as camp opened in Uyo, with captain William Troost-Ekong among the first to arrive.

The experienced defender, who plies his trade at Saudi side Al-Kholood, was joined by Tanzania-based goalkeeper Amas Obasogie and Olympiacos left-back Bruno Onyemaechi as the early birds in camp.

Their arrival sets the tone for what promises to be a decisive international window, as Nigeria gear up for crucial fixtures against Rwanda on September 6 in Uyo and South Africa on September 8 in Bloemfontein.

However, not all players are expected to check in on time. Several squad members remain tied up with ongoing transfer moves. Samuel Chukwueze is close to completing a switch from AC Milan to Fulham, Tolu Arokodare is finalising a deal from Genk to Wolves, while Getafe forward Christantus Uche is also wrapping up a move to Crystal Palace.

The rest of the 23-man squad, including key stars such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Cyriel Dessers, are due to arrive later. Osimhen’s return is especially anticipated, with the Galatasaray striker having scored twice when Nigeria last faced Rwanda in March.

The stakes could not be higher for the Super Eagles. After six games, Nigeria sit fourth in Group C with just seven points, trailing leaders South Africa by six. Both Rwanda and Benin are also ahead with eight points each. With only four qualifiers left, Jose Peseiro’s men cannot afford further slip-ups if they are to secure a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

Nigeria’s qualification journey continues in October with an away clash against Lesotho before wrapping up with a home tie against Benin Republic. The memory of missing out on the 2022 World Cup after losing a playoff to Ghana still hangs over the squad, making this campaign a must-win mission.

Full 23-Man Super Eagles Squad for Rwanda & South Africa

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars), Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC).
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood), Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes), Felix Agu (Werder Bremen), Benjamin Fredericks (Dender).
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Frank Onyeka (Brentford), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), Christantus Uche (Getafe).
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray), Moses Simon (Paris FC), Cyriel Dessers (Rangers), Tolu Arokodare (Genk).