Nigeria’s senior national team, the Super Eagles on Monday began preparations for this weekend’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Sierra Leone.
The Eagles have converged in Lagos for a few days of training before jetting out to Monrovia, Liberia for Sunday’s clash with the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone. The team started their preparations with a gym session in the morning before taking to the pitch in the evening.
Head coach Jose Peseiro was in charge of the evening training session held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos with twenty-one players in attendance led by captain Ahmed Musa.
The training began with some stretches and muscle relaxing routines before the players began gradual ball work which transited into a keep ball among three teams session at the centre of the pitch.
Twenty players started the season including the three goalkeepers; Adebayo Adeleye, Olorunleke Ojo and Sochima Ndukauba who were at first trained separately by the goalkeepers trainer Olatunji Baruwa.
Two outfield players who have been involved in a gruelling NPFL Super Six campaigns, Ebube Duru and Divine Nwachukwu were given the evening session off to further regain some strength after Sunday’s matches.
Portugal based Zaidu Sanusi who was not present when the session started later joined the team at the MJ Arena and took full part in the final one hour of the session.
Only Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and Fenerbahçe right back Bright Osayi-Samuel are still being expected as at the time the team completed their first official training session. Both players were expected on Monday night.
The team will train on Tuesday at the same venue.
21 PLAYERS IN CAMP
Goalkeepers
Adebayo Adeleye
Olorunleke Ojo
Sochima Ndukauba
Defenders
William Troost-Ekong
Kevin Akpoguma
Calvin Bassey
Semi Ajayi
Kenneth Omeruo
Ebube Duru
Zaidu Sanusi
Midfielders
Wilfred Ndidi
Joe Aribo
Frank Onyeka
Divine Nwachukwu
Alex Iwobi
Forwards
Samuel Chukwueze
Taiwo Awoniyi
Kelechi Iheanacho
Ahmed Musa
Moses Simon
Ademola Lookman
