Finidi George set to replace Frank Onyeka

And to open super eagles camp in Abuja

South Africa bewares


Lookman Ademola is coming

Imagine the 3 pronk attack


Osimhen .... Ademola ....and Boniface



Any team in the world should shiver

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Super Eagles head coach Finidi George has said local-based players can compete favourably in defence and midfield with their Europe-based counterparts.

robosky02:
THE NFF SUPER EAGLES 25 MAN SQUAD FOR THE NAIJA WCQ AGAINST BENIN AND SOUTH AFRICA:

ATTACKERS

OSIMHEN (NAPOLI, ITALY)
BONIFACE (BAYER O4, GERMANY)
CHUKWEZE (AC MILAN, ITALY)
TELLA (BAYER O4, GERMANY)
LOOKMAN (ATALANTA, ITALY)
MOFFI (OGC NICE, FRANCE)
NJINMAH (WERDER BREMEN, GERMANY)

MIDFIELD

AKPOM (AJAX, NETHERLANDS)
EJUKE (ANTWERP, BELGIUM)
IWOBI (FULHAM, ENGLAND)
NDIDI (LEICESTER, ENGLAND)
YUSUF (ANTWERP, BELGIUM)
ONYEDIKA (CLUB BRUGGE, BELGIUM)
ONYEKA (BRENFORD, ENGLAND)
ARIBO (SOUTHAMTON, ENGLAND)

DEFENDERS

BASSEY (FULHAM, ENGLAND)
TOSIN (FULHAM, ENGLAND)
OKOLI (FROSINONE, ITALY
AKPOGUMA (HOFFENHAM, GERMANY)
AINA (NORTHIGHAM FOREST, ENGLAND)
OSAYI (FENERBACHE, TURKEY)
OSHO (LUTON TOWN, ENGLAND)

GOALIES

NWABALI (CHIPPA, SOUTH AFRICA)
OKONKWO (WREXHAM,ENGLAND)
OKOYE (UDINESE, ITALY

Europeans must be proud of how they own Blacks

Finidi George invites two NPFL players, 21 others for South Africa, Benin clashes (Full list)

The head coach of the Super Eagles, Finidi George, has released his 23-man squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifier against South Africa on June 7.

Finidi has called up at least two players from the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.

Europa League final hero Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Stanley Nwabali and Wilfred Ndidi are also included.

Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye also makes a return.

Nigeria host South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Friday, June 7 starting from 8pm, and then fly to Abidjan to tackle Benin Republic at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on Monday, June 10, starting from 4pm CIV time (5pm Nigeria time).

FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa);
Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Ojo Olorunleke (Enyimba FC)

Defenders: Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista FC, Portugal);
Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey);
Sadiq Ismael (Remo Stars FC); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England);
Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Benjamin Tanimu (Ihefu SC, Tanzania)

Midfielders:
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England);
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium);
Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (Royal Antwerp FC, Belgium);
Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England);
Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Hatayspor, Turkey)

Forwards:
Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany);
Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England);
Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey);
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy);
Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany);
Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France)

2026: We know South Africa’s strengths, weaknesses – Finidi


Super Eagles head coach, Finidi George has claimed he knows the strengths and weaknesses of the South African team.

Finidi’s side will entertain Bafana Bafana in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying tie at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja on Friday, June 7.

The 53-year-old revealed that his video analyst, Mehmet Ozturk has provided detailed information on the South African team.
“It’s a well calculated pick; we also have the fitness coach which is needed in modern day football and a match analyst. What that guy has done so far is amazing,” Finidi said at a media parley in Lagos.

“What he has sent to me, analyzing player by player, not the Super Eagles players but the opponents.

“We play South Africa first. What I have on my phone is amazing. It is not that I’m not watching but when someone will break it down, the strengths and weaknesses, it’s a fantastic job.”

The Super Eagles will face the Squirrels of Benin Republic at the Stade Felix Houphouet Boigny, Abidjan three days after the game with South Africa.

Let's go there...

One good thing about the eagles is Finidi George will be playing the usual Super Eagles free attacking game

Omo that's the strength of our team

Finidi George unleash NPFL "Danni Alves" on South Africa

Sodiq Ismail in full flight for Remo Stars.

Born and raised in Lagos, Sodiq's journey to the top has been an inspiring one. After honing his skills on the streets, the young defender earned a place in the Remo Stars academy, where he has blossomed into one of the league's standout performers.

Sodiq's inclusion underlines Finidi's desire to inject fresh blood into the Super Eagles setup as they begin their quest to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico

He is hardworking and has honed his craft for crosses,” Ajibolade Olumide told Pulse Sports during a chat. “He definitely is the best right back in the league and balanced in his overall game."

Camp opens June 1st

2026 WCQ: Injured Osimhen ruled out of South Africa, Benin games

Napoli hitman, Victor Osimhen, has been ruled of Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.

According to information on the Super Eagles official X platform, Osimhen will miss the game due to injury.

Head coach, Finidi George has already called up Rangers left-back, Kenneth Igboke as his replacement

“Africa Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, is injured and out for 4 weeks. Super Eagles’ Coach Finidi George has called up Enugu Rangers’ left back Kenneth Igboke for the WC qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Rep,” reads the statement.

Igboke’s invitation increased the number of home-based players in the squad to three.

The Super Eagles are expected to open camp for the two fixtures this weekend.

The three-time African champions will host South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Friday, June 7.

They will travel to Abidjan to keep a date with neighbours Benin Republic three days later.

2026 WCQ: South Africa coach to unveil final squad for Super Eagles clash


Bafana Bafana of South Africa head coach, Hugo Broos will name his final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Zimbabwe on Thursday.


Broos named a 36-man preliminary squad for the games on May 15.

Familiar faces like Ronwen Williams, Themba Zwane, Percy Tau, Teboho Mokoena and Khuliso Mudau who were at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations are expected to make the squad.


Bafana Bafana will travel to Uyo for a matchday three encounter against the Super Eagles on Friday, June 7.

The former African champions will then host Zimbabwe at the Free State Stadium

Bafana Bafana head coach, Hugo Broos has named a strong 23-man squad for his side’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Zimbabwe, DAILY POST reports.

2026 WCQ: ‘Bafana will beat Super Eagles to Group C ticket’ – Broos boast

South Africa head coach Hugo Broos said Bafana Bafana have what it takes to beat other teams in their group to the 2026 World Cup ticket.


The Super Eagles of Nigeria are Bafana Bafana’s biggest opposition in Group C.

The two teams will clash in a matchday three encounter in Uyo next Friday.

The German boys are here

Stanley Nwabali is glad to see Maduka Okoye return to the Super Eagles and claims there is no rivalry between them.

Let's go there

"Finidi ball" ...
Coming....

South African coach already scared

13 Super Eagles players train ahead World Cup qualifiers

13 players trained at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Sunday morning as the Super Eagles intensified preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.

Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze, Fisayo Bashiru, Terem Moffi and Victor Boniface were among the players who took part in the training.

New boys, Ismaila Sodiq and Kenneth Igboke, as well as Ojo Olorunleke, Stanley Nwabili,Benjamin Tanimu, Ibrahim Olawoyin and Raphael Onyedika, also participated in the session.

10 more players are still being expected in camp.

The players are expected to have another workout later.



I

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The Nest of Champions aka Akabio Stadium Uyo Nigeria



Let's go there....

Former Super Eagles head coach, Samson Siasia, has said Victor Osimhen’s absence could affect the team’s chances of getting favourable results in their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.

Finidi George in camp

SPORT2026 WCQ: NLC strike delay arrival of Super Eagles’ players in camp

The ongoing Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, strike has delayed the arrival of the remaining players in the Super Eagles’ camp.


The players Maduka Okoye, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman and Paul Onuachu were all expected to join their teammates in camp on Monday (today).

According to the team’s new media officer, Promise Efoghe, the players, who are all in the country, have not been able to travel to Uyo due to the NLC strike which has stalled domestic flights in the country.

The 15 players in camp trained at the practice pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Monday morning.

The training which lasted two hours including fitness, shooting drills and tactical sessions was led by head coach Finidi George.

The players will have another training on Monday night.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Five games to watch out for as African qualifiers resume

FIFA World Cup 2026: Five games to watch out for as African qualifiers resume

European club finals match-winners Ademola Lookman and Ayoub el Kaabi turn their attention to 2026 World Cup qualifying in Africa from Wednesday with 52 fixtures scheduled over seven days.

Lookman scored a hat-trick as Atalanta won the Europa League last month, and ended a 51-match unbeaten run by Bayer Leverkusen in domestic and international competitions.


The London-born 26-year-old could lead the Nigeria attack at home to South Africa in Uyo in a repeat of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals won by the Super Eagles on penalties.

A week after Lookman stole the show in Dublin, Moroccan El Kaabi nodded the extra-time winner for Olympiakos against Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final in Athens.


He will be a contender for a place in the Atlas Lions attack against Zambia in Agadir in another Cup of Nations repeat with Morocco winning 1-0 in the Ivory Coast last January.

Meanwhile, Kenya are among 17 nations who must stage home matches at neutral venues due to sub-standard venues, stadium renovations or security issues.

Here, AFP Sport highlights five matchday three showdowns that include shock 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco and reigning African champions the Ivory Coast.

1. Nigeria v South Africa

A powerful Nigerian attack will lack its biggest star — 2023 African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen — through injury and Nathan Tella is absent for undisclosed personal reasons.

But with Lookman, Victor Boniface, Kelechi Iheanacho and Samuel Chukwueze to choose from, coach and former star Finidi George is not short of talent as he prepares for his competitive debut.

South Africa welcome back forward Lyle Foster from demoted Premier League club Burnley, who missed the Cup of Nations due to mental health challenges.


2. Egypt v Burkina Faso
Prolific Liverpool scorer Mohamed Salah is set to represent Egypt for the first time since an injury against Ghana in a group match cut short his AFCON campaign.




“Mohamed is one of the best footballers in the world and there is no rift between us,” said coach Hossam Hassan, who replaced Portuguese Rui Vitoria after a last-16 exit in the Ivory Coast.

When Salah was injured, Hassan said the star should remain with the national squad in west Africa, but the forward returned to his club for treatment.


3. Morocco v Zambia
A Hakim Ziyech goal separated the teams at the latest AFCON, where Morocco suffered a shock last-16 loss to South Africa and Zambia failed to make the knockout stage.

Key Moroccan figures in the 2022 World Cup run in Qatar, including goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, defender Achraf Hakimi and forward Youssef en-Nesyri remain.

Coach Walid Regragui also called up Brahim Diaz, an attacking midfielder at European titans Real Madrid for the clash with Zambia, who are on the back foot after a surprise away loss to Niger.


4. Senegal v DR Congo
Defending champions and among the favourites to win the 2024 AFCON, Senegal only reached the round of 16 before falling to hosts Ivory Coast after a penalty shootout.

Stalwarts like goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly and forward Sadio Mane — all based in Saudi Arabia — remain as the Teranga Lions seek redemption in World Cup qualifying.

The Congolese exceeded expectations by finishing fourth at the AFCON this year and hope Yoane Wissa can replicate his form with Premier League outfit Brentford.

5. Ivory Coast v Gabon
Coach Emerse Fae has given maiden call-ups to a France-based trio — defender Christopher Operi and forwards Mohamed Bamba and Evann Guessand — for a Korhogo clash with Gabon.

But there are no places in the Cup of Nations title-holders squad for defenders Serge Aurier and Eric Bailly due to a lack of club game time, and winger Wilfried Zaha remains out of favour.

Star Marseille forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang — voted the outstanding African after the 2023-2024 Ligue 1 season — has been recalled having missed the first two matchdays.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVjI8ECX3do?si=N7j8QygjuwIQUCvR

Let's go there

Nigeria set to continue dominance over South Africa

2026 WCQ: NFF announces ticket prices for Super Eagles vs Bafana Bafana


The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced ticket prices for Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying tie between the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana of South Africa.


The popular stand ticket would be sold for N1,0000, while the VIP ticket would go for N3,000.

Sales points will be strateg

2026 WCQ: Super Eagles camp swells with Lookman, Iwobi’s arrival

22 players are now in the Super Eagles’ camp in Uyo ahead of Friday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa.

The latest arrival in camp are Atalanta of Italy winger, Ademola Lookman and Fulham’s Alex Iwobi.

The duo breezed into the team’s Ibom Hotel and Resort base on Tuesday afternoon.

Udinese of Italy goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye is the only player yet to hit the team’s camp.

Lookman and Iwobi are expected to take part in the Super Eagles penultimate training session before the clash with Bafana Bafana later this evening.

The training will hold at the practice pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

The Super Eagles started preparations for the qualifiers on Sunday.

South Africa seeks AFCON revenge....
But Nigeria want to maintain dominance