Nigeria’s Super Eagles have safely arrived in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, after a flight delay caused by a technical fault on their aircraft while returning from South Africa for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic.
The team landed at the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo at 8:05 a.m. on Sunday, according to the Super Eagles’ media officer, Promise Efoghe.
“Finally, Super Eagles arrive in Uyo, Akwa Ibom. The team touched down at 8:05 a.m. Sunday morning,” Efoghe said in a statement.
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A video released by the team’s media department showed players and officials stepping off the ValueJet aircraft, looking relieved after a tense and unexpected travel delay.
The Super Eagles had departed Polokwane, South Africa, late on Saturday. However, the flight turned frightening when the aircraft, which had stopped in Luanda, Angola, for refuelling, developed a crack on its windscreen about 25 minutes after take-off.
According to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the pilot quickly made an emergency U-turn back to Luanda to ensure everyone’s safety.
“The cracked windscreen forced the flight to return to Luanda, where all players, officials, and accompanying government delegates safely disembarked,” the NFF said in an official statement.
The federation explained that the airline worked with Nigerian government officials, including the Ministers of Aviation and Foreign Affairs and the Chief of Staff to the President, to arrange a replacement aircraft and secure new flight permits.
“The ValueJet Airline and the relevant Federal Government authorities worked hard to get another aircraft to fly from Lagos, pick the delegation in Luanda, and take them to Uyo,” the NFF added.
After nearly 12 hours of travel disruption, the replacement aircraft finally arrived safely in Uyo on Sunday morning.
With the scare now behind them, Coach Eric Chelle’s men will focus on their crucial World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
The match is vital for Nigeria as they aim to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a challenging qualifying campaign.