The Super Eagles of Nigeria arrived in Bloemfontein on Sunday evening to a rousing reception ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash with South Africa on Tuesday.
Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Tope Ajayi, alongside the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Sir Adeyinka Adeboye, led a delegation of top government and sports officials to welcome the team.
The ValueJet chartered aircraft conveying the Eagles touched down at 6:25pm local time, following a three-and-a-half-hour flight from Luanda, Angola, where it had refueled after departing Uyo.
Also on hand were senior officials of the National Sports Commission, including Alhaji Salihu Abubakar, Barr. Musa Amadu, Dr (Mrs) Kehinde Ajayi, Mr. Ebidowei Owiefie, and Mr. Seyi Johnson.
Nigerian Community in Full Voice
The Nigerian community in South Africa, led by their president Mr. Smart Nwobi, turned out in large numbers, clad in traditional attire and filling the air with songs, drumming, and dancing to welcome the delegation.
Leading the NFF delegation was its president Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, alongside the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Sports, Hon. Kabiru Amadu, NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, and ex-Super Eagles captains Nwankwo Kanu and Victor Ikpeba.
A number of NFF executive members, management staff, stakeholders, and media representatives also made the trip.
The team delegation comprised 22 players and full technical and administrative staff, with forward Victor Osimhen the only absentee after sustaining an injury in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo.
Final Preparations
The Super Eagles will hold their official training session at the Toyota Stadium on Monday (today) at 6pm local time (5pm Nigeria time) ahead of the high-stakes clash.
