Senegal’s Football Federation (FSF) has moved to calm growing controversy after videos showing members of the country’s World Cup squad undergoing security screening on an airport tarmac in the United States sparked accusations of discriminatory treatment on social media.

The footage, which circulated widely online on Tuesday, showed players and officials being subjected to security checks before boarding a flight from Raleigh, North Carolina, to San Antonio, Texas, where the Teranga Lions were due to play Saudi Arabia in a World Cup warm-up match.

The images quickly generated criticism from football fans and commentators, many of whom questioned whether the African nation’s players were being unfairly singled out ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

In response, the FSF issued a statement insisting that the procedures were routine security measures carried out in accordance with airport regulations and were designed to facilitate, rather than hinder, the team’s travel.

According to the federation, special logistical arrangements had been made to allow the Senegalese delegation to bypass the normal airport terminal process.

“As part of the logistical arrangements for the trip, the bus transporting the national team left the hotel in Raleigh to go directly to the airport tarmac,” the federation explained.

The statement added that all security and police checks were conducted beside the aircraft, enabling players and staff to avoid passing through the usual airport terminals and boarding lounges.

“This procedure allowed the players and staff members to complete all security and police checks directly at the foot of the aircraft, without having to pass through the usual airport terminal areas and boarding lounges,” the federation said.

The FSF stressed that the arrangement was intended to optimise travel time and simplify boarding for the team’s private flight to San Antonio.

“This arrangement was primarily intended to optimise the delegation’s travel time and to facilitate boarding onto the private flight bound for San Antonio,” the statement added.

The clarification came shortly after Senegal played out a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia in a preparatory match on Tuesday. The encounter saw the African champions reduced to 10 men but still managed to hold their opponents.

Senegal are preparing for a challenging World Cup campaign in Group I. Their tournament begins against reigning world champions France in New Jersey on June 16.

The Teranga Lions will remain in New Jersey to face Norway on June 22 before concluding their group-stage fixtures against Iraq in Toronto on June 26.

While the federation’s explanation may ease concerns, the episode highlights the sensitivity surrounding travel and security procedures involving teams participating in the expanded World Cup across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

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By Kunle Solaja

Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Portugal will meet for only the second time at the senior level when they clash in an international friendly in Leiria on Wednesday night.

The encounter comes under remarkably similar circumstances to their first meeting in November 2022, when Portugal defeated Nigeria 4-0 in Lisbon just days before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Once again, Portugal are using Nigeria as their final warm-up match before the World Cup. Four years ago, the Portuguese selected the Super Eagles to prepare for a group-stage clash against Ghana, the team that denied Nigeria a place at Qatar 2022.

History appears to be repeating itself. This time, Portugal are preparing for a World Cup opening fixture against the Democratic Republic of Congo, another team that shattered Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions by eliminating the Super Eagles from the qualification race.

The match at the 29,000-capacity Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa offers Nigeria an opportunity to avenge the heavy defeat suffered four years ago and test themselves against one of Europe’s strongest sides.

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has assembled a star-studded squad featuring five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rafael Leão and João Félix.

The Portuguese head into the encounter unbeaten in their last four matches, having recorded victories over the United States and Chile while drawing with Mexico.

Nigeria, under coach Eric Chelle, have also enjoyed an impressive run. Since taking charge 15 months ago, the Franco-Malian tactician has overseen 24 matches and suffered only one defeat in regulation time.

With both teams carrying impressive recent records, Wednesday’s friendly promises to be far more competitive than the scoreline from their last meeting suggests.

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By Kunle Solaja

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle will put his impressive record on the line when the Super Eagles face Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal in an international friendly on Wednesday.

Since assuming control of the national team 15 months ago, Chelle has transformed the Super Eagles into a difficult side to beat. The Franco-Malian coach has supervised 24 matches and suffered only one defeat in normal time.

That record will be severely tested against a Portuguese side brimming with quality and confidence ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has every reason to be optimistic. His team are unbeaten in their last four outings and possess one of the strongest squads heading to the World Cup finals.

The Seleção das Quinas will rely on the experience of Cristiano Ronaldo and the creativity of Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, while Ruben Dias marshals a defence that has been difficult to break down.

Nigeria will be without star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, but Chelle still has significant attacking options in Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams and Terem Moffi.

The Eagles have also received encouraging news with the availability of defenders Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Emmanuel Fernandez despite the injury-enforced departure of Igoh Ogbu from camp.

A positive result in Leiria would further strengthen belief in Chelle’s methods and provide another indication that the Super Eagles are moving in the right direction under his leadership.

Kick-off is scheduled for 8:45 p.m. in both Portugal and Nigeria.

NIGERIA’S LAST FIVE MATCHES

• Iran I Nigeria 2 (International Friendly: 27/03/26)
• Jordan 2 Nigeria 2 (International Friendly: 31/03/26)
• Nigeria 2 Zimbabwe 0 (Unity Cup 2026: 26/05/26)
• Jamaica 0 Nigeria 3 (Unity Cup 2026: 30/05/26)
• Poland 2 Nigeria 2 (International Friendly: 03/06/26)

PORTUGAL’S LAST FIVE MATCHES

• Ireland 2 Portugal 0 (2026 World Cup Qualifier: 13/11/25)
• Portugal 9 Armenia 1 (2026 World Cup Qualifier: 16/11/25)
• Mexico 0 Portugal 0 (International Friendly: 29/03/26)
• USA 0 Portugal 2 (International Friendly: 01/04/26)
• Portugal 2 Chile 1 (International Friendly: 06/06/26)

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