The Super Eagles began preparations for the crucial clash with the Crocodiles in high spirits, under the watchful eye of coach Eric Chelle.
According to the team’s media officer, 17 players took part in the light training session as the three-time African champions kicked off their build-up to the game.
Apart from Osimhen, those who trained with the squad included Samuel Chukwueze, Frank Onyeka, Tolu Arokodare, Semi Ajayi, Stanley Nwabali, Adebayo Adeleye, and Amas Obasogie.
Also present were captain William Troost-Ekong, Christantus Uche, Wilfred Ndidi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Terem Moffi, Moses Simon, Calvin Bassey, and the reigning African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman.
Meanwhile, Brentford loanee Benjamin Fredrick joined up with the team before the end of the day, with five more players still expected to report to camp.
Despite sitting third in Group C behind leaders Benin Republic and South Africa, Chelle’s men remain optimistic about qualifying for the global showpiece, with two matches still to play.
Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw by Lesotho in the reverse fixture played at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo in November 2023.
After a goalless first half, the visitors went ahead through Motlomelo Mkwanazi in the 56th minute, but Semi Ajayi equalised for the hosts 11 minutes later.
The Super Eagles will face Leslie Notsi’s side again at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday before taking on Gernot Rohr’s Benin Republic four days later.
The 2013 African champions find themselves in a tricky position after a disappointing start to the qualifying campaign, having failed to win any of their opening four matches.
Meanwhile, coach Eric Chelle made two late changes to his initial 23-man squad due to fitness issues. FC Porto’s Zaidu Sanusi was drafted in to replace Bright Osayi-Samuel, while Crystal Palace’s Uche was called up for the injured Greece-based forward Cyriel Dessers.
Super Eagles in camp
Benjamin Fredrick, Samuel Chukwueze, Frank Onyeka, Tolu Arokodare, Semi Ajayi, Stanley Nwabali, Adebayo Adeleye, Amas Obasogie, William Troost Ekong, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Chrisantus Uche, Wilfred Ndidi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Terem Moffi, Moses Simon, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi.
