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The Super Eagles’ journey to Uyo for Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash with the Benin Republic has been postponed following a technical issue with the team’s aircraft.
According to a statement from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Saturday, the ValueJet Airline plane transporting the squad from Polokwane, South Africa, experienced a cracked windscreen mid-flight, forcing an emergency return to Luanda, Angola.
The NFF explained that the same aircraft had safely transported part of the team’s delegation to Polokwane on Thursday night, arriving on Friday morning without incident.
“The same aircraft had flown some members of the delegation to Polokwane on Thursday night, arriving in the South African city on Friday morning,” the statement read.
The technical problem occurred during the return leg, shortly after a scheduled refueling stop in Luanda. The NFF added that the pilot managed the situation expertly, ensuring the aircraft landed safely.
“However, after a routine refueling stop in Luanda, Angola (where the plane also stopped to refuel on Thursday night, and where the same plane had stopped to refuel to and from Bloemfontein in South Africa for the Matchday 8 encounter between the Super Eagles and the Bafana Bafana last month), the aircraft suffered a cracked windscreen mid-air after take-off, and the pilot did well to guide the airplane safely back to the airport in Luanda,” the statement added.
The football body further assured that measures are being taken to ensure the team reaches Uyo in time for the crucial qualifier.
“ValueJet Airline and the relevant Federal Government of Nigeria authorities, including the Hon. Minister of Aviation, the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Chief of Staff to Mr. President, are working assiduously to get the necessary overflying and landing permits for another aircraft to fly from Lagos, pick the delegation in Luanda and fly them to Uyo,” the NFF said.
The Super Eagles are set to take on the Squirrels of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in a match that could significantly influence their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
The NFF reassured fans that despite the delay, every effort is being made to minimize disruption to the team’s preparations and ensure that the players arrive safely and ready for the high-stakes encounter.
This incident marks another logistical challenge in the team’s qualification campaign, but officials remain confident that the Super Eagles will be in Uyo ahead of the match to face their West African rivals.
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