•Trapped in hotel elevator
Several of Super Eagles stars had a nerve-wracking experience ahead of their final Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sao Tome and Principe, Soccernet.ng reports.
The players, who have been at camp since it opened on Wednesday, September 6, found themselves in a somewhat alarming predicament inside an elevator at their Four Points by Sheraton hotel in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
The team had undergone several training sessions, and their overall demeanour appeared composed and relaxed,
but a disturbing incident, however, nearly marred that peace and tranquility.
The hotel’s elevator malfunctioned, leaving AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina, West Brom’s Semi Ajayi and others trapped inside.
A video of the incident posted on Instagram captured some players’ attempts to release the elevator’s doors manually.
While some onlookers seemed to find amusement in the situation, it was evident that a few players were genuinely unnerved by the experience.
Thankfully, Boavista defender Bruno Onyemaechi took the lead in successfully prying open the elevator’s doors, ensuring the players’ safe exit. Southampton midfielder Joe Aribo, visibly relieved, was seen making a sign of the cross after the ordeal had passed.
The incident concluded without harming anyone, allowing the Super Eagles to continue preparing for Sunday’s match with Sao Tome and Principe.