Officials said AFCON MVP William Ekong has been recalled by new Super Eagles coach Finidi George for next month’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin.
Experienced central defender Ekong has returned to full training with Greek club PAOK after surgery for a thigh injury he suffered at the AFCON in February.
He was a stand-in skipper at the delayed AFCON and scored thrice from defense to be named the tournament’s best player.
Finidi has submitted to the NFF a provisional squad for the World Cup qualifiers.
Nigeria welcome South Africa to Uyo on June 7 before a trip to Abidjan to take on hosts Benin a few days later.
The Super Eagles are third in Group C with two points from as many games.
Rwanda lead the group with four points with South Africa, widely regarded as Nigeria’s main rivals, second with three points.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles training camp in Uyo for a must-win 2026 World Cup qualifier against South Africa will open on June 1.
Officials told SCORENigeria that full team training will be same day.
The Group C World Cup qualifier is fixed for June 7 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Bafana Bafana of South Africa are second in the qualifying group with three points from two matches, a point ahead of third-placed Nigeria. Rwanda top the group with four points.
WC Qualifier: Fit-again Ekong tops Super Eagles list
