Super Eagles Land in Uyo After Mid-Air Scare Ahead of Benin World Cup Qualifier

|By Babatunji Wusu

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have finally touched down in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, after a mid-air scare forced their chartered flight to make an emergency landing in Angola on Saturday.

The team, who were scheduled to arrive on Saturday for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic, faced an unexpected delay when the ValueJet aircraft conveying them suffered a cracked windscreen mid-flight.

The pilot safely diverted the plane to Angola, where necessary checks were carried out before the journey continued. The contingent eventually arrived in Uyo around 8:05 a.m. on Sunday.

Upon arrival, the players and officials completed airport formalities before heading straight to their base at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel to recover and prepare for the crucial encounter.

Eric Chelle’s side will face the Cheetahs at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Tuesday as Nigeria pushes to strengthen its qualification hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.