Ahead of their final 2026 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, players and coaches of Benin Republic have already arrived in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital.

However, the hosts, the Super Eagles, are stranded in Luanda, Angola.

The Nigerian delegation’s return has been delayed, due to a cracked windscreen on the chartered ValueJet Airline aircraft that was conveying the team from Polokwane, South Africa.

The aircraft had made an initial stop in Luanda to refuel before embarking on the trip to Uyo.

It however suffered a cracked windscreen mid-air after take-off, and the pilot guided the airplane safely back to the airport in Luanda.

Eric Chelle and his players were initially expected to arrive in Uyo on Saturday.


It remains to be seen if the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, can make quick arrangements to fly the team back ahead of the crucial game.

A late return to the country could affect the Eagles’ preparation and training, with the 2026 World Cup ticket on the line.

A 2-1 win over Lesotho ensured that Nigeria remains in the race to qualify.


But only victory against Gernot Rohr’s men will be enough, while they hope that South Africa drop points against Rwanda.