The Super Eagles of Nigeria have finally arrived in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, after a nerve-racking delay caused by a midair emergency during their flight from Polokwane, South Africa.
According to Trendz Nigeria, the team originally scheduled to land on Saturday touched down safely at about 8:05 a.m. on Sunday after a technical scare forced their chartered aircraft to return to Luanda, Angola.
Reports reveal that the Value Jet aircraft made an initial stop in Luanda to refuel before heading to Uyo. However, just twenty-five minutes after takeoff, the pilot made a swift U-turn when a loud crack appeared on the aircraft’s windshield.
What began as a routine trip quickly turned into a tense episode. Players, coaching staff, and government officials aboard reportedly stayed calm as the pilot safely returned to Luanda, where they disembarked and awaited further arrangements. Thankfully, the team later continued their journey to Uyo without further incident.
The Super Eagles now shift focus to their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic on Tuesday. The match is a must-win, as Nigeria’s qualification hopes hang in the balance following their hard-fought 2–1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday.
Captain William Troost-Ekong and debutant Akor Adams were the heroes, scoring second-half goals to secure the win. A late slip by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, however, allowed Lesotho a consolation goal keeping fans anxious until the final whistle.
The win lifted Nigeria to third place in Group C with 14 points, just one behind South Africa and three behind leaders Benin Republic. To clinch an automatic World Cup ticket, the Eagles must defeat Benin convincingly and hope South Africa drop points against Rwanda in Mbombela.
Elsewhere, South Africa were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe in Durban, while Benin edged Rwanda 1–0, leaving Group C finely poised ahead of Tuesday’s decisive fixtures.
