By Aderonke Ojo
So for now, the Super Eagles are chasing two tickets, a flight ticket to Uyo and a World Cup ticket to North America.
The Super Eagles’ journey to Uyo for their final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic took an unexpected turn, quite literally mid-air.
The team’s chartered ValueJet aircraft suffered a cracked windscreen shortly after take-off from Luanda, Angola, where it had stopped to refuel en route from Polokwane, South Africa to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The pilot reportedly handled the situation calmly, guiding the plane safely back to Luanda Airport. Thankfully, everyone on board was safe.
According to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), arrangements are already underway to dispatch another aircraft from Lagos to pick up the delegation in Luanda and complete their trip to Uyo.
The incident has delayed the Super Eagles’ arrival for their all-important clash with Benin Republic, a decisive encounter that will determine who secures a spot in the next stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
What a way to start a World Cup campaign! First, the Super Eagles almost didnt make it to Uyo – talk about needing a plane ticket to get to the *actual* plane ticket! A cracked windscreen mid-flight certainly adds a twist to the whole chasing two tickets saga. The pilot did well, but honestly, the Eagles needed their A-game for this one. At least everyones safe and theyre already sorting out the backup flight from Lagos. Phew! Now, onto the Benin Republic game – they cant lose this one, unless, of course, they prefer Uyo to North America… Just joking! Go Eagles!vòng quay online