Nigerian Envoy, Fans Give Super Eagles Grand Welcome in Bloemfontein Ahead of South Africa Clash

The Super Eagles of Nigeria received a rousing reception in Bloemfontein on Sunday evening as diplomats, sports officials, and members of the Nigerian community in South Africa turned out in large numbers to welcome the team ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifier against Bafana Bafana.

Warm Reception at Bloemfontein Airport

A chartered ValueJet aircraft carrying the Nigerian delegation landed at Bloemfontein Airport at 6:25 p.m. local time, after a three-and-a-half-hour flight from Luanda, Angola, where the team had stopped to refuel following an earlier departure from Uyo.

At the airport, 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, led a strong delegation of officials, including members of the National Sports Commission, to receive the team.

Among the notable officials present were Alhaji Salihu Abubakar, Barrister Musa Amadu, Dr. (Mrs.) Kehinde Ajayi, Mr. Ebidowei Owiefie, and Mr. Seyi Johnson.

Nigerian Community Adds Colour

The Nigerian community in South Africa, led by their president Mr. Smart Nwobi, turned out in impressive numbers to give the Super Eagles a true taste of home. Dressed in traditional Nigerian attire, they filled the air with singing, drumming, and dancing, creating a carnival-like atmosphere that left the players visibly uplifted.

Strong Delegation

The delegation was led by NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau and included the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Sports, Hon. Kabiru Amadu, members of the NFF Executive Committee, NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, as well as ex-Super Eagles captains Nwankwo Kanu and Victor Ikpeba.

Also on board were several NFF management staff, stakeholders, media representatives, and 22 players alongside the technical crew. The only absentee was striker Victor Osimhen, who picked up an injury during Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo.

Focus Turns to Training

The Super Eagles will hold their official training session at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Monday at 6 p.m. local time (5 p.m. in Nigeria), as preparations intensify for their crunch World Cup qualifying showdown with South Africa.

Victor Onuh

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