The Super Eagles of Nigeria have maintained their focus and determination in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, despite a travel hiccup that briefly disrupted their plans ahead of Tuesday’s decisive clash against the Benin Republic.
According to reports, the team’s chartered ValueJet aircraft, which departed Polokwane, South Africa, on Saturday, suffered a cracked windscreen shortly after takeoff. The incident forced the pilots to make a precautionary return to Luanda, Angola, causing a delay of several hours. However, the squad eventually landed safely in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, early Sunday morning.
Upon arrival, the players and officials lodged at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Ikot-Ekpene, and later held a light recovery session at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. The training focused on stretching, ball movement, and mild tactical routines to help the team regain rhythm after the long trip.
Team officials have confirmed that the training schedule remains unchanged, with a final preparatory session planned for 6:30 p.m. today at the stadium’s main pitch. Head coach Eric Chelle is expected to use the session to refine tactical details and make final decisions regarding his starting lineup for the must-win encounter.
Meanwhile, Group C leaders Benin Republic arrived in Uyo on Saturday and held their first training session at the stadium’s practice pitch on Sunday morning. The Cheetahs will have their official training on the main turf at 5 p.m., shortly before Nigeria’s final session.
The high-stakes match is scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m. on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, where a large crowd of fans is expected to fill the stands. Both Nigeria and Benin remain in strong contention for the group’s sole automatic qualification ticket to the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In a simultaneous fixture, South Africa will host Rwanda in Mbombela — a result that could prove crucial in shaping the final standings in Group C.
