SUPER EAGLES WALK TIGHT LINE AS INJURIES AND SUSPENSIONS TEST WORLD CUP DREAMS

By: Gyang Dakwo

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are preparing for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho on Friday, but the mood in camp is a mix of belief and concern. Training began on Tuesday morning at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, which will also host the Group C clash.

Coach Eric Chelle can take confidence in the sharp form of his attacking players, but the injury list from Europe keeps growing. Felix Agu, who was expected to fill in at right-back after Bright Osayi-Samuel pulled out, has been ruled out after picking up an ankle injury while playing for Werder Bremen The club confirmed that the defender will miss several months of action.

First-choice right-back Ola Aina is also sidelined until December after suffering an injury during the last international window. These setbacks have left the Super Eagles short in defence and forced Chelle to rethink his options.

Wilfred Ndidi’s situation is another concern. The midfielder, who only recently returned from a long layoff, looked off form in Galatasaray’s recent Istanbul derby, where he lost possession that led to an equaliser. He is under medical observation as the team assesses his fitness ahead of Friday’s game.

Even in the middle of these worries, the Super Eagles handlers are facing another challenge. Some of the 23 invited players might miss the trip to South Africa for the match because they may not be able to secure visas in time. It is an unexpected issue, and it adds to the pressure on Chelle’s plans for the qualifier.

On a brighter note, the attack looks far more promising. Victor Osimhen seems to be finding his rhythm again after his injury troubles. He scored the winner against Liverpool in the Champions League and played a key role in Galatasaray’s 1-1 draw with Besiktas.

There is also excitement around Akor Adams, the new forward who scored Sevilla’s fourth goal in their 4-1 victory over Barcelona. That result ended the Spanish champions’ 15-match unbeaten run, and Adams was assisted by Chidera Ejuke, another Nigerian making his mark.

But even with the firepower up front, Chelle faces a different kind of challenge. Discipline could become a major problem since 11 players, including Ajayi, Bassey, Iwobi, Ndidi, Lookman, and Nwabali, are one booking away from suspension. Any yellow card on Friday would rule them out of next week’s crucial final group game against Benin Republic in Uyo.

Nigeria currently sits third in Group C with 11 points, three behind leaders Benin and South Africa. However, there was a bit of relief when the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho. The ruling found that Bafana Bafana fielded an ineligible player, so the match now counts as a 3-0 loss for South Africa. The decision gives Nigeria a new opening in the qualification race.

For Chelle and his team, the week in Polokwane is about staying calm and focused. The Super Eagles must find a way to mix confidence with caution as they continue their push for a place at the 2026 World Cup.

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