The Super Eagles are scheduled to fly out of their Russia 2018 World Cup base camp on Thursday to Kaliningrad, for their first group match against Croatia on Saturday.
A delegation of 23 players, technical and administrative staff flew by executive jet from Vienna to Essentuki Airport in South West Russia on Monday, arriving at a few minutes after 10pm, then held their first training session on Tuesday evening, 5pm Russia time.
Large gatherings showed excitement at seeing the three –time African champions arrive in native attire, sown in Nigeria’s colours, complemented with white bowler hats.
On arrival at Essentuki, in the Stavropol region of southern Russia, there was a brief airport reception coordinated by staff of the local organizing committee and officials of world football governing body, FIFA.
At the hotel, a welcome reception organized by the Governor of Essentuki, the Minister of Sports in the Stavropol region and the Manager of Sanatorium Istochnik also held.
On Tuesday morning, FIFA and LOC conducted the team arrival meeting, ahead of the training session in the evening.
The Eagles will train again on Wednesday evening, before flying to Kaliningrad for their first match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup against Croatia on Saturday at the 35,000 –capacity Kaliningrad Arena. Departure from Kaliningrad is set for 4pm Russia time.
