“Super Eagles camp, training day” – Peter Odemwingie advices players ahead of new season

Peter Odemwingie. Photo by IMAGO

Former Super Eagles forward Peter Odemwingie has shared an important advice with Eric Chelle’s men on how to stay fit and healthy ahead of the new season, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 2026-27 season has already commenced in some parts of the world, while other leagues are preparing to return to action as another campaign gets underway following the summer break.

As domestic club competitions resume, the Super Eagles will also return to action during the international window in September, which will be the first international break of the new season.

Nigeria will begin their campaign to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, but Odemwingie, who made more than 60 appearances for the national team, has urged the players to pay attention to their fitness and hydration.

The former Lille striker started his message by sharing a funny memory from his time with the Super Eagles.

“I’ll tell you guys a funny story. Super Eagles camp, training day. It was hot. The doc said – dehydrate, dehydrate, dehydrate”, the ex-West Brom forward said.

“I said, doc, are you sure? Maybe hydrate? But he was laughing, and it was so funny at the moment. I never forget that because I keep memories I take from camp.”

Soccer Super Eagles eye AFCON 2027 qualification

Chelle’s men will return to duty in September when the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations begin, with Nigeria looking to secure a place at the tournament to be hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.

The Super Eagles have failed to qualify for the last two FIFA World Cup tournaments, with Nigeria most recently losing to DR Congo in the CAF playoff final for the 2026 World Cup.

However, the national team has come close to winning the Africa Cup of Nations in the last two editions. At the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast, Nigeria reached the final after an impressive campaign but were beaten by the hosts in the title decider.

In the most recent edition in Morocco, the Super Eagles again reached the semi-finals but were eventually beaten by the hosts before defeating Egypt to win a record-extending ninth bronze medal.

That makes the upcoming AFCON 2027 qualifiers particularly important for Nigeria.

Odemwingie also warned the players about the importance of proper hydration and even made mention of coconut water, which he described as a healthy option.

“So, some of you can dehydrate or hydrate. If you drink too much alcohol, you will be dehydrated. But if you know your limit, you will need less rehydration.

“Coco water, healthy ways always the best way.”

The group-stage qualifiers for the tournament will begin on September 21 and run until March 2027, with Nigeria aiming to finish top of the group and secure their place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and Chief Editor at Soccernet.ng. He has interviewed Super Eagles stars like William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Ademola Lookman, and is known for breaking major transfer stories.

Ayomide has worked with Sports Brief, Naija News and served as Social Lead Editor at Legit.ng. He has also featured on Goal, TVC News, Sports Mole, and Milan News24. He holds a Master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Follow Ayomide on X (formerly Twitter): @ayo_oguntimehin