The arrival of Nigeria’s Super Eagles in Uyo has been delayed after their aircraft developed a cracked windscreen mid-flight. The team will now check into a hotel in Luanda, Angola, while a replacement plane is arranged. The delay comes as their opponents, the Benin Republic squad, have already arrived in Nigeria for the upcoming crucial match.
Super Eagles’ Arrival in Uyo Delayed by Aircraft Windshield Crack
The Super Eagles’ journey to Uyo for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic on Tuesday has been delayed due to a cracked windshield on their chartered ValueJet Airline aircraft, the… pic.twitter.com/sFFhIjACph
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Nigeria’s Super Eagles flight to Uyo for the final World Cup qualifying group game against Benin Republic has been delayed due to a cracked aircraft windscreen.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that the arrival of the Super Eagles and team officials in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has been delayed due to a technical issue involving their chartered aircraft.
According to the NFF, “the ValueJet Airline plane conveying the team from Polokwane, South Africa, to Uyo for Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic developed a cracked windscreen mid-air after taking off from a refueling stop in Luanda, Angola.
“The pilot, acting swiftly and professionally, safely returned the aircraft to the Luanda airport, averting any danger. The same aircraft had previously transported some members of the Super Eagles delegation to Polokwane on Thursday night, arriving in South Africa on Friday morning. It had also been used for similar routes during the team’s Matchday 8 encounter against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein last month.
“The NFF assured fans and stakeholders that ValueJet and relevant federal authorities — including the Ministers of Aviation and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Chief of Staff to the President — are working urgently to secure overflying and landing permits for a replacement aircraft. The new plane will fly from Lagos to Luanda to pick up the delegation and convey them safely to Uyo.”
The federation expressed gratitude for the understanding and patience of supporters as efforts continue to ensure the team’s safe arrival ahead of Tuesday’s crucial fixture.