Nigeria’s Super Eagles have began preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with 13 players now in camp in Uyo ahead of crucial matches against Rwanda and South Africa.

Nine players, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Moses Simon, Chidozie Awaziem, Adebayo Adeleye and Benjamin Fredericks, arrived on Tuesday.

They join Monday’s early arrivals William Troost-Ekong, Amas Obasogie, Felix Agu and Raphael Onyedika.

Head coach Eric Chelle is expected to receive the remaining invitees later in the day, with 23 players called up in total.

Nigeria will host Rwanda first before travelling to Bloemfontein to face group leaders South Africa.

The Super Eagles sit fourth in Group C with seven points from six games, trailing South Africa (13), Rwanda (8) and Benin Republic (8).

Meanwhile, Lesotho (6) and Zimbabwe (4) complete the table below the Nigerian side.

Victory in both fixtures is seen as vital if Nigeria are to revive their qualification hopes for the expanded 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.