When Nigeria opens its men’s soccer tournament against the Japanese at 9 p.m. EDT Thursday, it will do so mere hours after some players arrived for the tournament.
That’s because the players thought the plane was too small, a second delay in their trip to Rio.
Reports emerged Wednesday that a first plane was delayed because of problems in payment. The second plane, too tiny.
“The players were uncomfortable with the size of the plane,” team media officer Timi Ebikagboro said.
“The Nigerian government stepped in,” he added. “The players have been assured of adequate medical care on the plane. It’s been challenging but most importantly, we will be ready for the first game.”
Nigeria has struck gold before, in 1996, and boasts Chelsea midfielder Mikel John Obi (he recently corrected the long-organization of his name from John Obi Mikel) as well as Roma starlet Umar Sadiq and Sampdoria defender Amuzie Stanley.
Nigeria is in a tough Group B with Sweden, Japan, and Colombia.
