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Travel Troubles Trap Eight Super Eagles Players In Abuja And Lagos As They Miss Out In Uyo’s Camp
- Eight Super Eagles players were stranded in Lagos and Abuja due to a nationwide strike, disrupting their travel plans to Uyo.
- Despite efforts to join the squad, they were unable to secure connecting flights.
- The team is preparing for crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.
Eko Hot Blog reports that The Super Eagles camp in Uyo had only 15 players on Monday because eight players—Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka, Paul Onuachu, Maduka Okoye, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman—were stranded in Lagos and Abuja.
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The nationwide strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress had disrupted flight operations, preventing them from traveling.
Ajayi, Osayi-Samuel, and Bassey were unable to board connecting flights from Lagos to Uyo.
While Onyeka and Onuachu were stranded in Abuja.
“The quintet of defenders Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey, midfielder Frank Onyeka and forward Paul Onuachu.
“Are already in the country and trying to make their way to Uyo to join the 15 other players already on ground.
“As the Super Eagles’ preparations for Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana swing into new gear.”
Director of Media and Communications of the NFF, Ademola Olajire said in an email sent at 4:37pm on Monday.
“A total of 15 players trained on Monday morning in Uyo, with head coach Finidi George telling the players.
“Afterwards that the three points at stake in Friday’s encounter must end up in Nigeria’s kitty.
However, the new Eagles media officer, Promise Efoghe, confirmed that Okoye, Lookman, and Iwobi had arrived in the country.
But were also unable to book connecting flights to Uyo due to Monday’s NLC strike.
“Eight more players including Maduka Okoye, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman and Paul Onuachu are yet to join the squad.
“They are in the country but unable to arrive camp because of the ongoing Nigeria Labour Congress strike, which has stalled domestic flights,” Efoghe stated.
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The Super Eagles camp opened in Uyo last Friday, with only a few players arriving for the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.
Nigeria is set to face South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, June 7.
Before traveling to Ivory Coast to take on Benin Republic on Monday, June 10.
The Nigeria Premier Football League trio consisting of Sodiq Ismail, Kenneth Igboke (who was called up to replace the injured Victor Osimhen), and Enyimba goalkeeper Ojo Olorunleke.
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Alongside Tanzania-based Benjamin Tanimu, Ibrahim Olawoyin, Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
As well as Wilfred Ndidi, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru were among the first arrivals at the Eagles camp.
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