Bafana Bafana opponents Nigeria are being faced with a major obstacle ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Nigeria has been affected by a nationwide strike carried out by labour unions that has left eight of its players stranded in Lagos, while the rest of the team are training in Uyo, according to Soccernet.ng.
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The nation-wide strike, which will reportedly continue for an indefinite period, began on Monday and is said to be due to the Federal Government's refusal to increase the proposed minimum wage.
What has affected the Super Eagles' preparations greatly is believed to be the aviation staff who have decided to join the strike, which has stopped a group of players from the joining the training camp.
The list of stranded players include Maduka Okoye, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman and Paul Onuachu.
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Despite the setback, the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finalists still managed to conduct a training session on Monday. It was led by head coach Finidi George, who was appointed to the role in April.
It has been suggested that the Super Eagles are determined to making the most of its training schedule as they look to leapfrog South Africa, who are second in their WC qualifying group.
With the sides separated by just one point, their encounter on 7 June will hold even more importance.
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The last time these titans faced one another was at AFCON 2023, where Nigeria beat Hugo Broos' men 4-2 on penalties to progress to the final of the competition.
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