The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that the Super Eagles’ arrival in Uyo has been delayed after their chartered ValueJet aircraft suffered a cracked windscreen mid-air, Afrosport reports.
The incident occurred during the team’s flight from Polokwane, South Africa, to Uyo ahead of Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic.
The plane had made a refuelling stop in Luanda, Angola, but was forced to return safely to the airport shortly after take-off when the damage was detected.
The NFF stated that ValueJet, alongside the Federal Government and key aviation authorities, are working to arrange another aircraft from Lagos to transport the team to Uyo as soon as possible. However, reports suggest the team will spend the night at a hotel in Angola.
The delegation was initially scheduled to arrive on Saturday afternoon, three days before the crucial Group C clash at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
Nigeria currently sit three points behind leaders Benin after their 2–1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday.
The Super Eagles need a two-goal win — and for South Africa to drop points against Rwanda — to secure the group’s sole automatic ticket to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. 5
