- Stranded Super Eagles players arrived in Uyo by private jet, ensuring full squad preparations for the South Africa qualifier
- NFF confirmed the players landed at Victor Attah International Airport, joining teammates for lunch at Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort
Demola Olajire, the Director of Communications for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), confirmed on Tuesday that the Super Eagles players stranded in Lagos and Abuja finally arrived in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), some Super Eagles players faced difficulties joining the rest of the team in camp due to the joint NLC/TUC strike. The strike led to the shutdown of the country’s airports on Monday, preventing some players from flying to Uyo from Lagos and Abuja.
On Monday, only 15 of the 23 players managed to train in Uyo and returned to their camp at the Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort. The NFF stated, “15 players trained on Monday morning in Uyo. Head Coach Finidi George told the players afterwards that the three points at stake in Friday’s encounter must end up in Nigeria’s kitty.”
The statement also noted that defenders Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey, midfielder Frank Onyeka, and forward Paul Onuachu were already in the country and trying to make their way to Uyo.
However, a check confirmed through a text message from Olajire that the stranded players had indeed arrived in Uyo. “They just landed in Uyo,” Olajire said.
He further confirmed that the players had landed at the Victor Attah International Airport around noon aboard a private jet arranged by the NFF. They were subsequently driven to the Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort to join their teammates for lunch.
The timely arrival of these players ensures that the Super Eagles can proceed with their full squad preparations for Friday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against South Africa.