At least eight Super Eagles players have been kept away from the training camp in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifiers against Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
Punch Metro reports that coach Finidi George took charge of training for the first time since his permanent appointment as the head coach of the Nigerian men’s national football team.
With the Super Eagles currently sitting third in Group C with two points, trailing Rwanda and South Africa, the crunch tie against South Africa is a must-win to boost their chances of qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
While Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has been ruled out through injury, Finidi will be banking on the form of Europa League record-breaker/winner, Ademola Lookman and Bundesliga champion, Victor Boniface, amongst others, however, the former has been affected by the ongoing nationwide minimum wage strike staged by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress.
According to reports, only 15 players took part in Monday’s training session at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, while others like Paul Onuachu and Alex Iwobi, were no were near the camp due to the ongoing strike induced by the disparity between the Nigerian government and the labour unions over the implementation of a new minimum wage for workers.
Confirming the eight absentees, a former media officer of the Super Eagles, Toyin Ibitoye, said that the likes of Brentford star, Frank Onyeka, Fulham defender, Calvin Bassey, as well as Fernabache star Bright Osayi-Samuel, were missing during Monday’s training.
“Ongoing nationwide workers’ strike keeps 8 @NGSuperEagles away from camp in Uyo. The players are; Maduka Okoye, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman and Paul Onuachu,” Ibitoye posted on his X, formerly Twitter.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation will not entertain any excuse when the Super Eagles face South Africa and Benin on Friday 7 and Monday 10 June respectively, having described the clashes as “must-win encounters”.
Finidi will be looking to lift Nigeria from disappointment after the Eagles managed only two points from their opening two qualifiers in Group C.
