Super Eagles land in Bloemfontein ahead of South Africa clash
The Super Eagles of Nigeria arrived in Bloemfontein on Sunday evening to a warm and colourful reception ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifying showdown against South Africa.
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 top officials of the Nigerian Mission, the National Sports Commission, and members of the Nigerian community to welcome the team.
The delegation, conveyed by a chartered ValueJet Airline aircraft, touched down at Bloemfontein Airport at 6:25 pm South Africa time, following a three-and-half-hour flight from Luanda, Angola, where the plane had earlier stopped to refuel after departing Uyo.
Also present were senior sports administrators including Alhaji Salihu Abubakar, Barrister Musa Amadu, Dr. (Mrs) Kehinde Ajayi, Mr. Ebidowei Owiefie and Mr. Seyi Johnson.
Members of the Nigerian community in South Africa, mobilised by their President, Mr. Smart Nwobi, turned out in large numbers dressed in traditional attire, dancing, singing and drumming to celebrate the Eagles’ arrival.
The contingent was led by NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, and included the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Sports, Hon. Kabiru Amadu, NFF Executive Committee members, NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, former Super Eagles captains Nwankwo Kanu and Victor Ikpeba, as well as other stakeholders and media representatives.
A total of 22 players made the trip, alongside the technical and administrative staff. Forward Victor Osimhen, who sustained a shin injury during Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo on Saturday, was the only absentee.
The Super Eagles will hold their official training session at Toyota Stadium on Monday at 6:00 pm local time (5:00 pm Nigeria time), as preparations intensify for the high-stakes clash against Bafana Bafana.
