The Super Eagles’ journey back to Nigeria hit a snag on Friday as the team experienced hours-long delays in Abidjan following adjustments to their travel plans. The Nigerian contingent, fresh off a 1-1 draw against Benin Republic in Thursday’s AFCON 2025 qualifier at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium, was initially scheduled to depart Abidjan at 9 a.m. local time.
Officials confirmed that the team will now land in Lagos before heading to Uyo, where they are set to play their final qualifier against Rwanda on Monday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Sources within the camp revealed that the delay has disrupted the team’s routine, leading to the cancellation of Friday’s training session. The three-time African champions will now have limited preparation time ahead of the clash with Rwanda, which is pivotal for consolidating their top spot in the group.
The Eagles displayed resilience in Thursday’s encounter, with Victor Osimhen’s goal securing a point against a determined Benin Republic side. Coach Augustine Eguavoen expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance but emphasized the need for sharper execution in the upcoming game.
“The travel delay is unfortunate, but we remain focused. The players are professionals and understand the importance of the match on Monday,” said an official close to the team.
Fans in Uyo are gearing up for a spectacular showdown, with the Eagles expected to field a strong lineup. The Rwanda fixture serves as an opportunity to fine-tune tactics ahead of the tournament in Ivory Coast, set to kick off in January 2025.
