Super Eagles players and team officials inside an aircraft
After a nerve-wracking travel delay, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have finally arrived in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, ahead of their crucial final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash.
The squad, including players, coaching staff, and team officials, touched down at Victor Attah International Airport at exactly 8:05 a.m. on Sunday—several hours later than originally scheduled.
The delay stemmed from an in-flight emergency on Saturday during the team’s journey from Polokwane, South Africa, to Uyo. According to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the ValueJet aircraft carrying the team had made a scheduled stopover in Luanda, Angola, to refuel.
However, just 25 minutes after takeoff, the flight had to make a swift return to Luanda following a startling noise—a crack heard from the aircraft’s windshield. The pilot, acting out of an abundance of caution, turned the plane around and safely landed back in Angola.
All passengers were disembarked without incident, and emergency protocols were reportedly followed to the letter. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) later confirmed that an alternative aircraft was provided to complete the trip.
Now safely in Uyo, the Super Eagles—who sit second in their qualifying group—are gearing up to face Benin Republic in a decisive encounter. A win in the fixture would secure their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The team is scheduled to hold a light training session later today at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
NAN
