Super Eagles overcome travel drama, begin countdown to World Cup decider

The Super Eagles have safely returned to Nigeria ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against the Benin Republic.

The team arrived at the Obong Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo on Sunday morning at 8:05 a.m. after a delay caused by a technical issue.

While flying from Luanda, Angola, to Nigeria, the ValueJet aircraft carrying the team had to return to the Luanda airport when a crack was discovered on the pilot’s windscreen.

The issue was quickly resolved as another ValueJet plane was sent from Lagos to pick up the team. The new aircraft took about two hours and 20 minutes to arrive in Uyo.

Players and officials are now lodged at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot-Ekpene.

The team will hold its first training session at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium at 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Group C leaders, the Cheetahs of Benin Republic  Nigeria’s opponents in Tuesday’s decisive game  arrived in Uyo on Saturday and are staying at the Ibom Icon and Golf Resort. They trained at the stadium’s practice pitch on Sunday morning.

The Cheetahs will train on the main pitch of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium at 5 p.m. on Monday, while the Super Eagles will train at 6:15 p.m.

The much-anticipated match between Nigeria and Benin Republic will kick off at 5 p.m. on Tuesday. At the same time, South Africa will face Rwanda in Nelspruit  a game that could also determine who tops Group C and qualifies automatically for the 2026 World Cup in North America.