2026 World Cup Qualifiers: We’re not responsible for South Africa’s delayed arrival — NFF

2026 World Cup Qualifiers: We’re not responsible for South Africa’s delayed arrival — NFF

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has denied being responsible for South Africa’s delegation’s delayed arrival in Uyo for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Super Eagles.


The South African delegation spent the night in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, June 5 after arriving in Nigeria.

The players and their officials were initially scheduled to depart Johannesburg at 8 am on Wednesday and land in Lagos to undergo immigration formalities before proceeding to Uyo.


The chartered flight from Johannesburg was, however, delayed by five hours, affecting their travel plans.

The South African contingent only arrived in Uyo on Thursday morning.


“The problem has nothing to do with the NFF. At the time they said they were taking off, it took them a further five hours to actually depart from South Africa. We were not informed. We had informed officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service and other relevant agencies in Lagos to expedite action on the formalities for them,” stated NFF’s protocol chief, Emmanuel Ayanbunmi.


“It was less than two hours to landing that they contacted us to say that the landing right they got was for Port Harcourt International Airport and not the MMA in Lagos.


“We had to quickly get in touch with officials of NMS and other agencies in Port Harcourt and mobilise people to ensure smooth formalities for them.”

Idowu Babalola Photo
Idowu Babalola

Socially Not Social. IG & Twitter - @Idbragga

All author posts
Related Posts
Nicki Minaj threatens to boycott Instagram if her likes are hidden
Nicki Minaj threatens to boycott Instagram if...

Nicki Minaj has threatened to stop using Instagram if bosses start hiding how many users have ‘liked’ her photos....

BB Africa Star Beverly Osu Has Something To Say To Manufacturers And Sellers Of Bleaching Creams
BB Africa Star Beverly Osu Has Something To S...

Big Brother Africa reality star, Beverly Osu has taken to her Insta stories to call out manufacturers and sellers of...

Messi Confirms 2022 World Cup Will Be His Last
Messi Confirms 2022 World Cup Will Be His Las...

Messi Confirms 2022 World Cup Will Be His Last Lionel Messi has confirmed that the World Cup in Qatar...

Write A Comments