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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that the Super Eagles’ arrival in Uyo for Tuesday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash against Benin Republic has been delayed due to a technical issue with their aircraft.
According to the NFF Communications Department, the ValueJet Airline aircraft conveying the team from Polokwane, South Africa, suffered a cracked windscreen after take-off during a routine refuelling stop in Luanda, Angola. The pilot safely returned the plane to the airport in Luanda after detecting the fault mid-air.
The same aircraft had earlier transported part of the Super Eagles’ delegation to South Africa on Thursday night for their match against Bafana Bafana, arriving in Polokwane on Friday morning. It was also the same jet used for the team’s previous trip to and from Bloemfontein during last month’s Matchday 8 encounter.
In response to the situation, ValueJet Airline and relevant Nigerian government authorities, including the Minister of Aviation, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Chief of Staff to the President, are working swiftly to secure overflying and landing permits for a replacement aircraft.
The new plane is expected to depart Lagos, pick up the stranded delegation in Luanda, and fly them directly to Uyo ahead of Tuesday’s decisive encounter.
The NFF assured that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure the team’s safe and timely arrival as preparations continue for the must-win fixture.
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