The Nigerian national football team's training camp is nearing full capacity. Players are arriving in Abuja for a critical preparation period. The team is getting ready for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. All eyes are on one absent superstar. Striker Victor Osimhen has not yet joined the squad.
Team officials confirmed the situation on Tuesday. They said most invited players are now present. Osimhen's delay is due to a minor procedure. The Napoli forward had a small medical treatment in Germany. This was according to a team spokesman. The procedure was planned. Osimhen is expected to join the group later this week. His fitness is not considered a major concern.
The Super Eagles will play two important warm-up matches. They face Mali on Friday in Marrakech, Morocco. They will then meet the Senegal team next Tuesday. These games are crucial for testing tactics. Coach Finidi George is using them to finalize his plans. The full AFCON 2025 qualifier schedule resumes in June. Nigeria must secure their place in the tournament proper.
Camp morale is reported to be high. Team sources say the atmosphere among arriving players is positive. The focus is on building a strong unit. George is working on defensive organization and attacking patterns. The coach has a nearly complete squad to work with. Only Osimhen and a few others are still expected.
Osimhen's role is vital for Nigeria's hopes. He was the top scorer in the last AFCON qualifiers. His absence from early training is a small setback. The team's medical staff is in direct contact with him. They are monitoring his recovery from the minor procedure. All parties expect a smooth integration when he arrives.
The Nigerian Football Federation is overseeing the preparations. They arranged the high-profile friendlies against Mali and Senegal. These opponents are among Africa's best. They will provide a serious test for George's tactical setup. The coach is in his first major assignment since taking the job. He replaced Portuguese manager Jose Peseiro earlier this year.
George's initial squad list showed a blend of experience and youth. Veterans like William Troost-Ekong and Alex Iwobi are present. They are joined by younger talents such as Victor Boniface. The Bayer Leverkusen striker is already in camp. He could lead the attack if Osimhen needs more time to regain full fitness.
The team's training sessions at the Abuja National Stadium are intense. Local reporters observing sessions note a focus on speed and transition. George appears to want a team that presses high and attacks quickly. This style would suit Osimhen's strengths perfectly. The striker thrives on through balls and spaces behind defensive lines.
Nigeria's group for the AFCON 2025 qualifiers is challenging. They are in Group D with Libya, Rwanda, and Benin Republic. The team currently sits in second place after two matchdays. They drew with Lesotho and beat Zimbabwe. The upcoming June qualifiers are now the immediate priority after these friendlies.
The football federation president, Ibrahim Gusau, visited the camp. He urged the players to represent the nation with pride. He emphasized the importance of the upcoming matches. Gusau said the friendlies are a chance to build confidence. He also expressed full support for Coach George and his technical crew.
Security around the team's hotel and training ground is tight. A large number of fans have gathered daily hoping to see players. The popularity of the Super Eagles remains extremely high in Nigeria. The team's performance is a constant topic of national conversation.
Analysts say these coming days are key for team chemistry. Building understanding between new players and established stars takes time. Midfielders like Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka are central to George's system. Their ability to control games will be critical in Morocco against Mali.
The team will fly out to Marrakech on Wednesday evening. They will have one final training session on Moroccan soil before the match. Coach George is scheduled to hold a pre-match press conference on Thursday. He is likely to give an update on Osimhen's travel plans then.
Broadcast rights for the friendly matches have been secured by major sports networks. Fans across Africa and in the diaspora will be able to watch. The matches are seen as a valuable gauge of West African football strength. Mali and Senegal are also preparing for their own upcoming qualifiers.
Back in Nigeria, sports radio shows are dominated by squad discussions. Pundits debate the best attacking combination. Many believe a partnership of Osimhen and Boniface could be devastating. Others call for caution, noting both players have had recent injury concerns.
The team's medical department issued a brief statement. It said all players in camp are in good physical condition. They are managing the workload to prevent any soft tissue injuries. The focus is on peak performance for the two friendly matches.
Logistical preparations for the trip to Morocco are complete. Team officials have sent luggage and equipment ahead. The traveling party will include 23 players, technical staff, and federation delegates. A return to Abuja is planned after the match against Senegal next week.
For now, the Super Eagles camp continues its daily routine. Morning gym sessions are followed by tactical meetings. On-field training takes place in the cooler evening hours. The wait for Victor Osimhen continues, but the work does not stop.