But the airline discovered it had an National Basketball Association charter plane available to fly the group of more than 30 people, and arranged to fly the team “with no request for payment”, according to Delta.
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The team is scheduled to leave from Atlanta about 8 a.m. Thursday and arrive in Manaus 2 p.m.
GW men’s soccer’s rising senior Ben Ogedegbe was called up in July to compete and train with the Nigerian U23 squad in Atlanta as the Nigerian team prepared for the upcoming Rio Olympics.
Stressing that their decision to help the U-23 team out of their predicament came down to a moment’s notice, Delta airline spokesman Anthony Black said, “This is a special occasion, not only because it’s the Olympics”.
Nigeria’s Dream Team VI failed to respond as a wrong anthem was played as they filed out for the preliminary pleasantries against Japan, in their opening Group B fixture of the Olympic Games.
Etebo made it 5-2 for Nigeria in the 67th minute after the Japan keeper made a hash of his clearance.
They then encountered a crush of travelers and lack of flights at the busy Atlanta airport, where several Brazil-bound trips were originating.
Nigerian football has been roiled by financial issues of late.
Eight minutes later, a sizzling Stanley Amuzie shot was pushed out by Japanese goalkeeper Kushibiki, but three minutes before half time, Etebo shot Nigeria ahead again by showing great determination to follow up good work from Sadiq Umar.
If you’re at the Atlanta airport and you happen to see some lost and harried Nigerian footballers milling about, please bring them some snacks and share a few kind words.
The team arrived in the jungle city of Manaus about six hours before overcoming jet leg and the heat and humidity in the Amazon city to win a thrilling game.
Speaking further, Etebo disclosed that the motivating factor in the team is Coach Siasia who has played the role of a father to the players even in times when they don’t believe they can do it, and added that the players are motivated to win for him.
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While Nigeria just managed to scramble the ball away for a corner kick, they were soon placed in the match’s driving seat two minutes later. Led by captain and Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, the Nigerians would eye a stellar performance this time.
