See Photos: Travel Woes Plague Bafana Bafana’s Journey to Uyo

• South Africa are second in Group C of the 2026 FIFA WCQ

• Nigeria have only two points from their previous two qualifying matches

• The Nigeria Labor Congress had just called off a two-day strike which grounded public services Nationwide

The South African MNT, Bafana Bafana, faced significant troubles enroute to their World Cup qualifier match against Nigeria in Uyo.

The team arrived late in Nigeria on Wednesday, only to find themselves stranded in Port Harcourt due to the unavailability of connecting flights to Uyo.

Players, Team Officials and Fans of South Africa MNT. Photo | X

Players and Team officials spent a grueling 18 hours navigating Nigerian roads before finally reaching Port Harcourt Airport.

Bafana Bafana Players, Team Officials and Fans waiting at the Airport. Photo | X (BafanaBafana)

Despite clearing customs, they were unable to secure transportation to their intended hotel, leading to an overnight stay in Port Harcourt.

Compounding their woes, the Uyo airport had closed by the time arrangements were made for their departure, resulting in further delays.

Bafana Bafana eventually arrived in Uyo on Thursday, with plans to undertake training later in the evening.

The team’s journey comes ahead of their crucial match against Nigeria scheduled for Friday, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

After the game, Hugo Broos’ men will return home to face Zimbabwe at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.