The Super Eagles of Nigeria have finally touched down in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, after an unexpected delay caused by an in-flight emergency during their return from South Africa.
The team’s journey back to Nigeria took a dramatic turn on Saturday when the ValueJet aircraft conveying them suffered a cracked windscreen mid-air shortly after taking off from Luanda, Angola, where they had stopped to refuel.
According to reports, the incident forced the pilots to make an emergency return to the airport in Luanda, where the team was left stranded for several hours as efforts were made to secure clearance for a replacement aircraft.
After long hours of waiting, the Super Eagles eventually departed Angola and arrived safely at the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo at about 8:05 a.m. on Sunday.
The team had been returning from Polokwane, South Africa, where they secured a 2-1 victory over Lesotho in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match.
With their arrival, the focus now shifts to their decisive clash against the Squirrels of Benin Republic on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
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Nigeria, currently third in Group C with 14 points, must defeat Benin and hope that South Africa, who sit second with 15 points, fail to win against Rwanda to guarantee an automatic qualification for the World Cup.
Group C Standings:
Benin Republic – 17 pts (+5)
South Africa – 15 pts (+3)
Nigeria – 14 pts (+3)
Rwanda – 11 pts (0)
Lesotho – 9 pts (-3)
Zimbabwe – 5 pts (-6)
The Super Eagles’ safe arrival in Uyo brings relief to fans nationwide as the team prepares for what could be a defining moment in their World Cup qualification campaign.