The Super Eagles of Nigeria have safely arrived in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, following a mid-air emergency that forced their aircraft to make an unscheduled return to Luanda, Angola.
Recall that the team was en route home on Saturday after their 2–1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane, South Africa, when the ValueJet aircraft they boarded suffered a cracked windscreen shortly after take-off from a refuelling stop in Angola. The pilot immediately initiated a safety return to the Luanda airport.
Players and officials were left grounded for several hours as efforts were made to secure landing clearance for a replacement aircraft.
They eventually departed Angola late Saturday and touched down at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, at 8:05 am on Sunday.
The squad is now focused on their crucial final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Squirrels of Benin Republic, scheduled for Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Nigeria, currently third in Group C with 14 points, must win and hope South Africa fail to beat Rwanda to stand a chance of sealing automatic qualification.
Current Group C Standings
Benin – 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 encounter in Uyo is widely regarded as a must-win fixture for the three-time African champions, who are seeking a return to the World Cup after missing the 2022 edition.
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