The Super Eagles of Nigeria have arrived safely in Uyo ahead of Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Benin Republic, following a tense 24-hour travel delay caused by a mid-air emergency.
Their arrival was confirmed in a post by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Sunday via its official X handle, announcing that the team touched down at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, at about 8:05 a.m. local time.
“The @NGSuperEagles have finally arrived Uyo after a delay in Luanda, Angola due to issues with the aircraft conveying them back home after the win over Lesotho. Now to get one over Benin! Yes. We can,” the post read.
According to the NFF, the team’s ValueJet chartered flight was forced to make an emergency return to Luanda shortly after take-off due to a cracked windscreen. The aircraft had earlier made a scheduled refuelling stop in the Angolan capital before the fault occurred.
“The pilot did well to guide the plane safely back to the airport in Luanda,” the NFF confirmed, adding that another aircraft was later dispatched from Lagos to convey the delegation to Uyo.
The same ValueJet aircraft had previously flown part of the team’s contingent to Polokwane for their 1–0 victory over Lesotho.
With the travel ordeal now behind them, the Super Eagles are expected to resume full training in Uyo as they prepare to face Benin Republic in a crucial World Cup qualifying showdown on Tuesday.
