Super Eagles land in Uyo after mid-air technical hiccup forces them to change aircrafts

NIGERIA'S Super Eagles have finally landed in Uyo the Akwa Ibom State capital ahead of Tuesdays crunch World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic after an unexpected travel delay brought about by an air mishap.

Qualification for the 2026 World Cup is very much on a tightrope with Nigeria, South Africa and Benin Republic all fighting to top Group C. Whoever emerges as runners-up may still qualify for the run-off knock-out series but that is dependent on results in other groups in what is a very close qualification competition.

On Friday, Nigeria's Super Eagles beat Lesotho 2-1 to give themselves a fighting chance of qualifying but now, everything hinges on beating Benin Republic comprehensively on Tuesday.  This morning, the team touched down at the Victor Attah International Airport at exactly 8/05am after an unexpected travel delay.

Their delay was due to a mid-air emergency on Saturday during the team’s flight from Polokwane, South Africa. Apparently,  the ValueJet aircraft, carrying players, coaches and government officials, had stopped in Luanda, Angola, to refuel but while there, a technical problem developed.

After refuelling, the flight had resumed normally but was forced to return to Luanda just 25 minutes after a loud crack was heard in the aircraft’s windshield, forcing the pilot to make a precautionary U-turn. This development necessitated the disembarkation of all passengers upon the safe landing back in Luanda.

Officials from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that emergency protocols were followed, as the airline later arranged an alternative aircraft to complete the journey. After a change of aircraft, the team then flew to Uyo where they held a light training session at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium earlier today.