Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been delayed en route to Uyo ahead of Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Benin Republic after their chartered ValueJet aircraft suffered a cracked windscreen mid-flight.
The team had departed Polokwane, South Africa, with a scheduled refueling stop in Luanda, Angola. Shortly after take-off from Luanda, the aircraft developed the crack, forcing the pilot to return safely to the airport.
The same plane had previously transported members of the delegation to Polokwane and stopped in Luanda en route to Bloemfontein for last month’s Matchday 8 fixture against South Africa.
Cracked windscreen of Valuejet aircraft. Photo Credit: NFF Comms
The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed that ValueJet Airlines, alongside the Minister of Aviation, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Chief of Staff to the President, are working to secure permits for another aircraft. This replacement plane will pick up the delegation in Luanda and fly them to Uyo.
Cracked windscreen of Valuejet aircraft. Photo Credit: NFF Comms
Officials assured that all safety protocols were followed and that the players are unharmed. Efforts are ongoing to ensure the team arrives in time for Tuesday’s fixture.
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Meanwhile, the Benin Republic team has already landed in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The delay leaves the Super Eagles with limited time to recover from the flight, putting them at a potential disadvantage.
Akor Adams scored his first goal for Nigeria on his debut in South Africa. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Lesotho win keeps Super Eagles’ hopes alive
Nigeria’s squad heads into the decisive match on the back of a 2–1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane. Goals from captain William Troost-Ekong and debutant Akor Adams secured the win after a tense first half, moving Nigeria to 14 points in Group C.
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With Benin leading the group on 17 points and South Africa second on 15, the Super Eagles face a must-win encounter at home. To qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Nigeria must beat Benin by at least two clear goals and hope South Africa fail to defeat Rwanda.
