‘It's a bit frustrating’ - Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey concern about arrival late to camp

On Tuesday, Bassey finally arrived in Uyo to join the club together with Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Frank Onyeka, and Paul Onuachu.

They were flown to the team's base in a private jet made available by the Nigeria Football Federation, where they met up with their teammates.

The Nigerian team began training for the match on June 1st, but Bassey and other players were left behind because of a countrywide strike called by labour unions.

Speaking to the media about the predicament, Bassey conveyed his annoyance while highlighting the team's wish to spend more time together.

Bassey said, "It's always annoying because we want to spend more time together. International periods can be short, usually ten days to a week, so having the opportunity for two weeks is valuable.

"The manager wants to make the most of that, so it's a bit frustrating. However, we've been together for a long time, and the manager knows each and every one of us well.”

Despite the setback, he downplayed worries that the team's performance would suffer from the late arrivals, pointing out that the manager knew the squad well and that the players knew each other.

Nigeria's first match is against South Africa on June 7 at 8 p.m. before travelling three days later to play the Republic of Benin Republic in Abidjan.