Ndidi: Labour strike affected Eagles’ preparation for S’Africa, Benin games

Wilfred Ndidi says the organised labour strike affected the Super Eagles’ preparations for their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and the Benin Republic. 

Ndidi spoke in a chat with the Eagles media team on Wednesday.

On June 3, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) embarked on the strike after negotiations with the federal government on a new minimum wage hit a brick wall.

The industrial action paralysed economic and government activities nationwide for two days.

The aviation workers’ union also adhered to the strike, which hindered airport operations and disrupted domestic flights.

Consequently, five players listed in the 23-man Super Eagles squad for the forthcoming games could not get connecting flights from Lagos and Abuja to Uyo, the venue for the team’s camp.

The stranded players were Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka and Paul Onuachu.

However, the Labour union called off the strike on Tuesday, and the quintet has since joined the rest of the squad.

Ndidi said his teammates’ delayed arrivals hindered the Eagles’ preparation for the qualification games “in some ways”.

He added that the team is yet to work out its approach to the games because some crucial players were stranded away from the camp.

“To be honest, it has affected the preparation. Because normally, we are supposed to start training on Saturday and with three days gone, we have all not been together,” Ndidi said.

“I think is has affected the team in some ways, like we are supposed to know what we are doing and how to approach the games, but we have not been able to do that. But I think a few of them are now coming in, which will be a great addition to our team and help us prepare quicker.”

Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman are expected to arrive at camp on Wednesday.

Nigeria will play South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on June 7 before flying to Abidjan to tackle Benin Republic at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny three days later.