Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying preparations are taking shape with the arrival of Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in Uyo, swelling the Super Eagles’ camp to 15 players, Soccernet.ng reports.
Iwobi, who has started the season well at Fulham, and Nottingham Forest defender Aina, both flew in from England, while Dele-Bashiru touched down from Italy where he plays for Lazio.
All three are expected to play major roles as Nigeria aim to claw back lost ground in Group D against Rwanda and South Africa.
Welcome to camp, guys! pic.twitter.com/mIqeNInoaq
— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) September 2, 2025
Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka have also linked up with the squad. Ndidi, who completed a summer switch from Leicester City to Besiktas, brings much-needed leadership and calm to the midfield.
Ndidi and Onyeka in Uyo ahead – 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers pic.twitter.com/hJuCqZblcM
— Dr. Victor Ademola (@AdemolaVictorTv) September 2, 2025
Onyeka arrives off the back of a strong run with Brentford, where he registered assists in consecutive games, adding energy and drive in the middle of the park.
Alex Iwobi and Ola Aina. Photo Credit: IMAGO
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The latest arrivals join a growing group that already includes captain William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Moses Simon, and goalkeeper Amas Obasogie.
Werder Bremen’s Felix Agu, Nantes’ Chidozie Awaziem and Boavista defender Bruno Onyemaechi were among the first to check in on Monday, alongside teenager Benjamin Frederick and goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye.
Nigeria Super Eagles stars Bright Osayi-Samuel, Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi. Photo by IMAGO
Still missing are some of Nigeria’s biggest names. Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman and first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali are yet to report.
So too have winger Samuel Chukwueze, striker Tolu Arokodare, and forward Chrisantus Uche, all of whom were finalising transfers late in the window. Their arrival is expected in the coming days.
Nigeria Super Eagles. Photo by IMAGO
The pressure could not be higher. Nigeria currently sit fourth in Group D with just one win from six games. Leaders South Africa top the pool on 13 points, with Rwanda and Benin both ahead of Nigeria on eight. Only the group winner is guaranteed a place at the 2026 World Cup, leaving the Super Eagles with no margin for error.
Eric Chelle’s men host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday before travelling to Bloemfontein for Tuesday’s showdown with South Africa. Rwanda’s squad is expected to land in Lagos before connecting to Uyo later on Tuesday.
Nigeria need to secure back-to-back victories against the Amavubi and Bafana Bafana to revive hopes of reaching the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026. Anything less and qualification risks slipping out of reach.
Ola Aina, Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, Boniface Victor, Alex Iwobi and Onyemaechi Bruno of Nigeria during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON qualifier match between Nigeria and Benin Republic [Photo credit/Imago]
Nigerian players already in the Super Eagles camp in Uyo as of Tuesday:
Early arrivals (Monday):
William Troost-Ekong (PAOK, captain)
Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista)
Amas Obasogie (Bendel Insurance, GK)
Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, DF)
Tuesday arrivals:
Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, MF)
Frank Onyeka (Brentford, MF)
Alex Iwobi (Fulham, MF)
Calvin Bassey (Fulham, DF)
Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, DF)
Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahçe, DF)
Moses Simon (Nantes, FW)
Benjamin Frederick (Brentford, DF)
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Hatayspor, MF)
Adebayo Adeleye (Hapoel Jerusalem, GK)
Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista, DF)
Total in camp: 15 players
Still expected: Victor Osimhen, Stanley Nwabali, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Chrisantus Uche, and others.
