By Samuel Ahmadu
The uncertainty surrounding Nigeria’s travel plans to South Africa has been laid to rest, as the country’s Department of Transport in Pretoria has officially granted the Super Eagles a landing permit, NigeriaFootball can exclusively report.
The approval, which follows an application submitted by Nigeria through ValueJet on Saturday, September 6, 2025, covers the period September 7–13.
It grants the Nigerian airline clearance to land at Bram Fischer International Airport in Bloemfontein (FABL), with O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg (FAOR) also listed as an entry option for connection.
Nigeria’s delegation of 74 players and officials is expected to depart aboard the national team carrier, ValueJet, on Sunday, September 7, with a scheduled return three days later.
This confirmation dispels rumours that South African authorities had initially refused to provide landing clearance for the Nigerian team.
The concerns had been heightened by last week’s visa hitches at the South African Embassy in Nigeria, which delayed entry permits for some members of the delegation, including the Supporters Club.
With the landing clearance now secured, preparations for the highly anticipated September 10 World Cup qualifier at the Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, are back on track, as Nigeria look to claim a vital result on the road against the Bafana Bafana.
Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.
