Super Eagles Arrive Safely in Uyo After Mid-Air Scare Ahead of Benin Clash

The Super Eagles have safely landed in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, following an in-flight technical issue that forced a detour en route from Angola.

The team’s flight touched down at Victor Attah International Airport at approximately 8:05 a.m. on Sunday, after a cracked windscreen was detected shortly after departure from Luanda. Earlier, the chartered ValueJet aircraft had halted in Luanda for a routine refueling stop while on its journey from Polokwane, South Africa, to Uyo. Roughly 25 minutes after takeoff, a loud crack was heard from the windshield, prompting the pilot to execute an emergency return to Luanda. All passengers disembarked safely, with no reported injuries.

In response to the disruption, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) mobilised contingency logistics and arranged for a replacement aircraft from Lagos to complete the journey.

Just days before the journey, the Super Eagles secured a hard-fought 2–1 win over Lesotho in their World Cup qualifying campaign. William Troost-Ekong converted a penalty in the 55th minute after a handball in the Lesotho box, while substitute Akor Adams extended the lead in the 80th minute with a composed finish. Lesotho pulled one back three minutes later through Hlompho Kalake, looping the ball over Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. Despite some nervy moments, especially in stoppage time when Nwabali mishandled a ball that nearly gifted Lesotho an equaliser, Nigeria held on to the result. The victory kept Nigeria’s qualification hopes alive heading into the final matchday.

The delay and emergency landing came at a critical juncture, as Nigeria prepares for a must-win 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Benin on Tuesday, October 14, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Nigeria currently sits third in Group C and must defeat Benin, ideally by a two-goal margin, while hoping for slip-ups from South Africa to claim top spot. 

However, the Super Eagles will be without Ademola Lookman, who was suspended after picking up a second yellow card in the Lesotho match. Despite this setback, coach Éric Chelle remains optimistic about the squad’s depth and readiness for the challenge ahead.