NLC strike puts Super Eagles vs. Bafana Bafana match at risk; eight players stranded in Lagos
The nationwide workersâ strike has reportedly left some Super Eagles players stranded in Lagos as the Nigerian team prepares for their crucial World Cup qualifiers against South Africa, Soccernet.ng reports.
Labour unions embarked on an indefinite nationwide strike on Monday over the Federal Governmentâs refusal to increase the proposed minimum wage, causing disruptions across the nation.
Aviation staff and employees have also joined the strike, leading to significant disruptions to travel arrangements for the match.
Despite these challenges, fifteen players managed to participate in a rigorous training session on Monday morning at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
However, eight players, including notable names such as Maduka Okoye, Semi Ajayi, and Alex Iwobi, have been unable to join the camp due to the Nigeria Labour Congress strike, which has halted domestic flights per U-17 media officer, Francis Achi.
The stranded players due to NLC strike
Maduka Okoye, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman and Paul Onuachu.
The players are already in Nigeria, but could not connect flight from Lagos to Uyo.@thenff @nassnigeria pic.twitter.com/TDVmSQjkpV
â Francis Achi (@totorimaster) June 3, 2024
Impact of NLC Strike on Super Eaglesâ Training
As reported by Punch, The NLC and TUC began an indefinite nationwide strike due to the Federal Governmentâs refusal to increase the minimum wage and reverse the electricity tariff hike.
NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo expressed disappointment over the governmentâs failure to pass a new National Minimum Wage Act.
The strike affects multiple sectors, including universities and aviation, with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and various aviation unions halting services nationwide.
Super Eaglesâ Resilience Amid NLC Strike
Under the guidance of head coach Finidi George, the team engaged in fitness routines, shooting drills, and tactical exercises during the training session, despite the strike affecting travel logistics.
While the strike continues to impact the teamâs preparations, the coaching staff remains focused on optimizing the training schedule.
Training â #soarsupereagles pic.twitter.com/tb0gk5FQTs
â đłđŹ Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) June 2, 2024
Monday eveningâs session was canceled to allow the players some much-needed rest and recovery.
Despite the setbacks, the Super Eagles are determined to maintain their objectives as they approach the decisive qualifiers against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
Ayomide Oguntimehin
Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and an Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories.
Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work.
With a Bachelor’s degree in English Language from Adeyemi College of Education and a Master’s Degree in School Library and Media Technology from the University of Ibadan, Ayomide is well-prepared to excel in the field.
