The Super Eagles of Nigeria have safely arrived in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic, following a 24-hour delay caused by a mid-air incident.
Their safe arrival was confirmed on Sunday morning through the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on its official X handle. The team’s chartered flight landed at the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo at 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 NFF posted.
The team was stranded in Luanda, Angola, after their ValueJet aircraft developed a fault shortly after take-off during a refuelling stop on their way back from Polokwane, South Africa, where they had defeated Lesotho.
According to the NFF, the plane was forced to return to Luanda after the pilot detected a cracked windscreen mid-air. The pilot immediately followed safety procedures and guided the aircraft safely back to the airport.
In a statement, the NFF explained that after a routine refuelling stop in Luanda, the aircraft suffered the cracked windscreen soon after take-off. Another aircraft was quickly dispatched from Lagos to bring the team home safely.
The ValueJet plane had earlier transported part of the team’s delegation to Polokwane on Thursday night, arriving on Friday morning.
With the issue now resolved, the Super Eagles will resume training on Sunday evening in Uyo as they prepare for their World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic.
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