Victorious Super Eagles return home - Nigeria's Super Eagles and their officials arrived in the country's capital, Abuja, Tuesday afternoon, after winning the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in South Africa.
The Arik Air Airbus A340-500 chartered flight that brought the team home touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 3:15pm local time.
A huge crowd of football fans and government officials received the team and its officials.
The crowd cheered as coach Stephen Keshi, back on the job after stepping down briefly Monday, led the other technical crew out of the plane, followed by the members of the Super Eagles.
Captain Joseph Yobo, the last player to exit, raised the Nations Cup trophy won by the team, to a huge applause from the crowd.
Members of the Nigerian Football Supporters Club were the first to exit the aircraft.
Officials of the Nigerian Immigration Service and the Nigerian Customs Service joined in receiving the players and officials, with many mobbing Keshi the moment he cleared customs and immigration points.
After the airport reception, the team will be driven in motorcade to the National Stadium in the city for another welcoming ceremony, packaged by the Federal Capital Administration.
At the Stadium, a red carpet, lined on both sides by members of the Civil Defence, was laid out for the team, while traditional dancers entertained guests as they awaited the players.
The team will be hosted to a reception by President Goodluck Jonathan Tuesday night.
Pana 12/02/2013