The Super Eagles of Nigeria have safely arrived in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, ahead of their decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic on Tuesday.
The team’s chartered ValueJet aircraft landed at the Obong Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, at 8:05 a.m. on Sunday morning after returning from Polokwane, South Africa, where Nigeria defeated Lesotho 2–1 on Friday.
The journey home was briefly delayed after a cracked pilot windscreen forced the ValueJet aircraft to return to Luanda, Angola, just 25 minutes after take-off during a refuelling stop on Saturday afternoon.
Swift coordination between ValueJet Airline and Federal Government authorities ensured another aircraft was dispatched from Lagos to pick up the delegation in Luanda. The replacement aircraft completed the two-hour, 20-minute flight to Uyo without further incident.
Players and officials have now settled into their camp at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene. Team sources confirmed that the Super Eagles held their first training session at 5 p.m. on Sunday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Meanwhile, Group C leaders Benin Republic arrived in Uyo on Saturday afternoon and are lodged at the Ibom Icon and Golf Resort. The Cheetahs held a light training session on Sunday morning at the practice pitch of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
According to the official schedule, Benin Republic will have their final training session on the main pitch of the stadium at 5 p.m. on Monday, while the Super Eagles will train immediately after at 6:15 p.m.
Tuesday’s crucial encounter between Nigeria and Benin Republic will kick off at 5 p.m. at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. The outcome will play a major role in deciding Group C’s sole qualification ticket for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
At the same time, South Africa will face Rwanda in Nelspruit — another match that could determine which team ultimately secures the top spot in the group.
