- NFF writes CAF, FIFA
By Tolúlopé Olátúnjí
The crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match between the Super Eagles and the Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Friday, is in jeopardy due to an ongoing strike by organized labour, consisting of the Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congres.
The New Diplomat reports that the strike action was embarked upon on Monday, June 3 2024, to press for a higher national minimum wage, after a Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage (NMW) negotiations deliberations ended in deadlock.
The ongoing strike has grounded domestic flights, preventing eight key players-Adémólá Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Maduka Okoye, Calvin Bassey,
Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Paul Onuachu from joining the national team training camp in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
The newly appointed Team Media Officer of the Super Eagles, Promise Efoghe said:“Fifteen (15) players had a comprehensive session on Monday morning at the training pitch of the Godswill Akpabio stadium.The training which lasted two hours included fitness and shooting drills, plus tactical sessions led by head coach Finidi George.”
He added: “Eight more players including Maduka Okoye, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman and Paul Onuachu are yet to join the squad. They are in the country but unable to arrive camp because of the ongoing Nigeria Labour Congress strike which has stalled domestic flights.”
However, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has informed FIFA and CAF, the international football governing bodies, about the situation. The strike, called by labor unions demanding a higher minimum wage, threatens to disrupt the Group C match.
The Nigerian football body anticipate a swift resolution to the strike to allow a full-strength Nigerian squad to compete on Friday.
