Super Eagles stars Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho have admitted that the team’s preparations have been affected by the delay in the arrival of some key players ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and Benin.
Finidi George’s side will first host Bafana Bafana in Uyo, before navigating an away fixture against the Cheetahs.
However, only 15 players had reported to camp as of Monday, and five of the remaining eight were airlifted in on Tuesday afternoon via a privater charter after domestic flights were stalled over a labour unions' strike action.
Ndidi, Iheanacho: Late arrivals have affected Super Eagles’ preparations
At the time of publication, seven of the originally stranded eight, including Europa League final hero Lookman, have reported to camp. However, both Ndidi and Iheanacho believe their delayed arrivals have affected the Super Eagles’ preparations ahead of the important matches against South Africa and Benin.
Iheanacho told TVC News: “Some of the big sessions that we needed to do, we couldn't because we are not complete.
“It affects the training a little bit but we've got almost everybody today and we did a big session which is very, very important. Hopefully, everyone will be around tomorrow for us to get the full length of the pitch and training that we need.”
In the same vein, midfield stalwart Ndidi said: “To be honest it has affected the preparations because normally we are supposed to start training on Saturday and three days gone we have not been together.
“It has affected the team in some way, where we are supposed to be knowing what we are actually doing, how to approach the game but we haven't been able to do that. Few of them coming in today and the others coming in tomorrow will be a great addition for us to prepare quicker.”
Nigeria will face Bafana Bafana and Benin on June 7 and June 10, respectively.
