The Super Eagles of Nigeria touched down in Bloemfontein to a rousing reception on Sunday evening as they prepare for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash against South Africa.
A chartered ValueJet Airline carried the team and delegation, arriving at Bloemfontein Airport at exactly 6:25 pm local time after a three-and-a-half-hour flight from Luanda, Angola, where the aircraft had earlier refueled.
Leading the reception party was Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, His Excellency Tope Ajayi, alongside the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Sir Adeyinka Adeboye. They were joined by officials of the National Sports Commission (NSC), including Alhaji Salihu Abubakar, Barr. Musa Amadu, Dr. Kehinde Ajayi, Mr. Ebidowei Owiefie, and Mr. Seyi Johnson, who all came to demonstrate national solidarity with the squad.
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Adding to the atmosphere, members of the Nigerian community in South Africa – led by their president, Mr. Smart Nwobi – turned out in large numbers dressed in vibrant Nigerian traditional attire. With drums, songs, and dances, they created a festive environment that gave the Super Eagles a taste of home in a foreign land.
Delegation and team update
The Nigerian delegation was headed by NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, and included House of Representatives Sports Committee Chairman, Hon. Kabiru Amadu, NFF Executive Committee members, General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, and former Super Eagles captains Nwankwo Kanu and Victor Ikpeba. Several federation staff, stakeholders, and media representatives were also part of the traveling contingent.
Among the 22 players and coaching staff present, only Victor Osimhen was absent, having sustained an injury in Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo.
Nonetheless, optimism remained high as the squad prepared for their official training session at Toyota Stadium, scheduled for 6 pm on Monday (5 pm Nigeria time).
Tags: Super Eagles, #SoarSuperEagles, Bloemfontein, South Africa, #NGARSA, Ibrahim Gusau.
