While  other players were being expected at the Super Eagles’ Eko Hotel & Suites abode last night, 11 early birds sweated out in gym sessions ahead of today’s first training of the group, with all countenancing the opening of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualification race.

The three –time African champions tango with the Lone Star of Liberia at the Teslim Balogun Stadium from 5pm on Friday in one of the Day 1 clashes, with the Eagles flying out of Lagos to the island of Mindelo to take on the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde in a Day 2 fixture on Tuesday, 7th September.

Veteran defender Kenneth Omeruo was among the first arrivals that included South Africa-based goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi, England –based quartet of Alex Iwobi, Oghenekaro Etebo, Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho, former junior international Kingsley Michael, Abia Warriors’ Adekunle Adeleke, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, and forwards Henry Onyekuru and Chidera Ejuke.

Team Administrator Dayo Enebi Achor confirmed to thenff.com that 17 other players, including defenders William Ekong, Leon Balogun, Olaoluwa Aina, Tyronne Ebuehi and Chidozie Awaziem, and forwards Victor Osimhen and Terem Moffi were being expected at the team’s abode last night.

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Only midfielder Joseph Ayodele-Aribo and forward Paul Onuachu are expected to come into town on Tuesday. The team will have its first training session at the Teslim Balogun Stadium on Tuesday.

Friday’s encounter will be the first FIFA World Cup qualifying game in Lagos since the Eagles defeated the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone in a 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the adjacent National Stadium, Surulere in June 2000.

EAGLES IN CAMP

• Shehu Abdullahi
• Ahmed Musa
• Samuel Kalu
• Daniel Akpeyi
• Adekunle Adeleke
• Alex Iwobi
• Kelechi Iheanacho
• Oghenekaro Etebo
• Francis Uzoho
• Henry Onyekuru
• Chidera Ejuke
• Kingsley Michael
• Wilfred Ndidi
• Kenneth Omeruo
• Moses Simon