'It affects the training' -  Iheanacho, Ndidi deliver brutal verdict on missing Super Eagles players

Leicester City duo Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi have raised concerns about the invited players yet to report for international duty in Uyo ahead of the Super Eagles' crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying match against South Africa. 

Super Eagles coach Finidi George has not been able to work with the full complement of players he summoned for the double-header against South Africa and Benin. 

 Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman, who were both shoo-ins in the starting lineup to face Bafana Bafana if they had reported for international duty last weekend, are still en route to Nigeria to link up with their international teammates. 

It is all but confirmed that Udinese goalkeeper  Maduka Okoye will not make his international return on Friday as he is among the three players still being expected. 

Calvin Bassey, Paul Onuachu, Frank Onyeka, Semi Ajayi and Bright Osayi-Samuel landed in Uyo on Tuesday due to reasons beyond their control. 

Finidi has not been able to organize a proper training game, 11v11, because of the absent players - something that has been pointed out by Iheanacho and Ndidi. 

Speaking to TVC News on Tuesday, Iheanacho said: "Obviously we are not yet complete and we are missing few players, it's just a little bit impact in the training sessions. Some of the big sessions that we needed to do we couldn't because we are not complete. 

"It affects the training a little bit but we've got almost everybody today and we did a big session which is very, very important. Hopefully everyone will be around tomorrow for us to get the full length of the pitch and training that we need.

"Overall we have been working really hard and training since few days now so I think the coaches are doing a great job. We are really fit and ready to go."

Ndidi added: "To be honest it has affected the preparations because normally we are supposed to start training on Saturday and three days gone we have not been together.

"It has affected the team in some way where we are supposed to be knowing what we are actually doing, how to approach the game but we haven't been able to do that.

"Few of them coming in today and the others coming in tomorrow it will be a great addition for us to prepare quicker."

The Super Eagles are aware that they have little or no margin for error on Friday when they face South Africa, having drawn their opening two games in Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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