‘Bus would be better’ — Nigerians react over car used to pick Super Eagles players from airport

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Nigerians on social media have reacted after a 2008 Toyota Avalon was reportedly used to pick up Super Eagles players from the airport ahead of their 2026 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, qualifying clash against Madagascar in Uyo.

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The vehicle attracted attention after images and videos of the players being conveyed from the airport circulated on social media, with some fans criticising the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, over what they described as an inappropriate mode of transportation for the national team.

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One X user, @Adikastakes, wrote: “The Super Eagles were picked from the Airport with 2008 Toyota Avalon, NFF remains a massive disgrace. I just hope Eric Chelle and the players work a miracle and qualify for AFCON starting from defeating Madagascar.”

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Another user, @IghoBryan, wrote: “If them use bus e better pass this car These players guide pass all these shit wey NFF dey do ….these players personally dey drive Bentley, lambos and all but see car lmaoo.”

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@oyewi75457 also criticised the arrangement, writing: “NFF will never miss an opportunity to embarrass us. How are you picking up the Super Eagles with a 2008 Avalon in 2026?”

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Another user, @mosswan1, compared the vehicle with the cars available to some of the players abroad, writing: “Just imagine say Saka leave England come deh pass through this thing… All this players there lowest car for there garage go buy this car 4 times.”

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However, some Nigerians defended the choice of vehicle, arguing that transportation from the airport should not be a major issue compared with the team’s performance and other challenges facing Nigerian football.

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“The car used to carry them from the airport is the least of our problems right now, we don’t even have proper stadiums na car we dey talk about,” @Olique7 wrote.

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Similarly, @mom_boy76677 said there was nothing inherently wrong with the vehicle, arguing that the focus should be on the team’s performance.

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“There’s nothing wrong with the car, is the same car a normal businessman would book as uber from the airport, it has nothing to do with commitment. The car is not their preparation, is just a mobility,” the user wrote.

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The Super Eagles are preparing for a crucial AFCON qualifying fixture against Madagascar in Uyo as they seek to strengthen their position in the qualifying race.

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The team is being led by coach Eric Chelle, who is expected to guide the squad through the remaining qualifying fixtures.

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The reaction over the airport vehicle comes amid wider scrutiny of the NFF and the Super Eagles following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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With the AFCON qualifiers now providing another opportunity for the national team to deliver success, attention will turn to the players’ performance on the pitch when they face Madagascar.

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