When Nigeria’s Eagles Landed in Abuja: In Pictures

A cross section of Nigerian soccer fans on Tuesday thronged Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to welcome the Super Eagles, even breaching security rules and ran onto the tarmac.

The soccer lovers arrived at the airport in the early hours of the day to receive the victorious Super Eagles, who won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in South Africa on Sunday.

The players and officials arrived in Abuja at 3.25 p.m. and were decorated in Nigeria’s national colours as they came out of the plane.

In loud ovations, the excited fans stood up for the champions, singing and dancing.

In spite of the presence of security personnel, fans rushed to the 2013 AFCON champions to either have a hand shake or a hug. Some immigration and customs officers abandoned their duty posts to embrace the players as they walked through to the arrival hall.

The Nigerian Supporters Club sang and played their musical instruments to the delight of all.

Similarly, at the reception organised for the champions at the National Stadium, Abuja, fans turned out in large numbers to appreciate them.

The FCT Minister, Malam Bala Muhammed, on behalf of President Goodluck Jonathan, received the team, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) music band entertained the crowd.

Nigerians took the opportunity to showcase the cultural diversity of the country through their dances.

Groups, such as National Council for Women Societies, Abuja branch, People’s Democratic Party Women in FCT and the Isuikwuato Development Union were all represented.

The Umuobiala group from Abia carried placards that read, “we welcome our heroic son Sunday Mba’’, on the occasion. (NAN)

Some Super Eagles’ supporters, who were at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Tuesday to welcome the Super Eagles from South Africa, forced their way into the tarmac.

The Super Eagles returned from South Africa, where they won the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday by beating Burkina Faso 1-0, to win the cup for the third time.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the fans were able to force their way because they followed Alhaji Bala Mohammed, the FCT Minister and other officials of the football house, who were going to the tarmac.

NAN reports that as a result of this, the front door of the arrival hall of the international wing of the airport was broken, while a number of people were injured.

Col. Oladipo James (rtd), the Head of the Aviation Security at the airport, had earlier warned the public against forcing their way into the tarmac.

“The situation in the country has compelled us to prevent people from gaining entrance to the tarmac,” he said.

NAN reports that some members of the excited crowd, who refused to vacate the tarmac, were chased out with sniffer dogs by security agents.