World Cup qualifier: Super Eagles finally arrive in Uyo after flight delay in Angola ahead of crucial Benin clash

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have finally arrived in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, after a prolonged delay in Luanda, Angola, where their chartered aircraft was forced to make an emergency return following a cracked windscreen mid-air.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had earlier confirmed that the ValueJet aircraft conveying the team from South Africa to Uyo developed the fault shortly after take-off from Luanda, where it had stopped to refuel.

The incident came just hours after Nigeria’s 2–1 victory over Lesotho in Bloemfontein, which kept the team’s slim hopes of qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive.

Following swift intervention from ValueJet and Nigerian government authorities, including the Ministers of Aviation and Foreign Affairs, alternative travel arrangements were made to ensure the players and officials arrived safely in Uyo on Sunday evening.

The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to Tuesday’s must-win encounter against Benin Republic. With Nigeria currently sitting third in Group C with 14 points — behind Benin and South Africa — victory is crucial to keeping their World Cup dream alive.

As the team settled in Uyo for final preparations, optimism remains high among players and supporters alike. “Now to get one over Benin! Yes, we can,” read a post shared on the team’s official X handle, reflecting the squad’s determination to finish strong.