The Super Eagles' training regimen took an unconventional turn on Tuesday, unveiling a unique form of relaxation that has become a near-team-wide ‘addiction'
Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has offered a revealing glimpse into the Super Eagles' off-field downtime activities, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles, fresh off a hard-fought victory against Guinea-Bissau, were allowed a training-free day to relax after completing their group-stage campaign at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday.
However, as the players sought relaxation, a surprising trend emerged – gaming became the squad's preferred avenue to unwind.
Aina, ever the social media maven, documented the unfolding scenes on Instagram, capturing teammates Ademola Lookman, Semi Ajayi, Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey engrossed in a multiplayer game in their respective rooms.
The behind-the-scenes footage shed light on the intensity of their gaming sessions, with Aina providing commentary that hinted at a team-wide “addiction.”
As the camera panned through the Super Eagles' accommodation, Aina's caption echoed the sentiment:
“this is a serious addiction.”
Bassey's particularly animated Call of Duty session was caught on tape, showcasing the extremes to which the players were drawn into the gaming world.
Aina, both amused and intrigued, declared his intent to join the gaming frenzy:
“I am going to start playing games now as well.”
The banter continued as Aina mockingly addressed Bassey, highlighting the team's collective obsession.
“I have been hearing you all screaming down the corridor; this is an addiction,” Aina emphasised. “I swear this is an addiction; they don't blink, they don't blink.”
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Beyond the gaming revelations, Aina's AFCON journey adds a layer of narrative complexity.
With his third appearance at the tournament, Aina brings experience to a team where Lookman and Bassey are navigating their maiden AFCON voyage.
The younger stars have, however, made their mark, contributing to the Super Eagles' impressive Group A performance – two wins and one draw.
As Nigeria progress to the AFCON last-16, the Super Eagles are scheduled for a showdown with Cameroon, a historic rivalry rekindled.
The two former champions last met at the 2019 AFCON, where a brace from Odion Ighalo and a late Alex Iwobi winner helped the Super Eagles secure a dramatic 3-2 victory in Alexandria, Egypt.
