Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying push is gathering momentum after Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka joined the Super Eagles camp in Uyo, bringing the squad to 15 players, Footynaija.com reports.
Ndidi, who sealed a summer move from Leicester City to Turkish giants Besiktas, reported on Tuesday. The midfielder’s composure and experience will be vital as Nigeria look to get their campaign back on track.
Onyeka also arrived following an impressive spell at Brentford, where he registered assists in back-to-back games. His dynamism adds balance to a midfield that will be central to the team’s chances against Rwanda and South Africa.
They join an expanding list of arrivals, including captain William Troost-Ekong, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Moses Simon. Early arrivals on Monday featured Bruno Onyemaechi, goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, and Werder Bremen’s Felix Agu.
By Tuesday, nine further players had checked in, among them Benjamin Frederick, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Adebayo Adeleye, and Chidozie Awaziem.
Still awaited are Galatasaray’s new striker Victor Osimhen, first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, and others such as Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, and Chrisantus Uche, who all wrapped up transfer deals late in the window.
The Super Eagles are under pressure to deliver. They sit fourth in Group D with one win from six games, while leaders South Africa are on 13 points. Rwanda and Benin both have eight, one clear of Nigeria. With only the top team guaranteed a World Cup spot, Chelle’s side must win their next two games.
Nigeria face Rwanda in Uyo on Saturday before travelling to Bloemfontein to play South Africa on Tuesday. Rwanda’s squad are expected in Lagos before continuing to Uyo