As preparations intensify for Tuesday’s decisive 2026 World Cup qualifier, the Benin Republic national team has arrived in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. However, their opponents, Nigeria’s Super Eagles, are currently stranded in Luanda, Angola.
The team’s return to Nigeria has been delayed following a technical issue with their chartered ValueJet aircraft. The plane, which was conveying the team from Polokwane, South Africa, developed a cracked windscreen shortly after taking off from Luanda, where it had stopped to refuel. The pilot was forced to safely return the aircraft to the Angolan capital.
Head coach Eric Chelle and his Benin squad had been expected to touch down in Uyo on Saturday, giving them ample time to settle and train ahead of the clash.
It is now uncertain when the Super Eagles will return, with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) racing against time to arrange alternative travel. The delay could disrupt Nigeria’s training and match preparations for the crucial encounter.
Nigeria’s 2–1 victory over Lesotho kept their qualification hopes alive. However, only a win against Gernot Rohr’s Benin side — coupled with South Africa dropping points against Rwanda — will secure the Eagles’ passage to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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