The Nigerian Super Eagles have finally arrived in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against the Benin Republic. Their arrival on Sunday morning at 8:05 a.m. at the Victor Attah International Airport followed an unexpected and harrowing travel delay that involved an emergency landing in Angola.

The incident occurred on Saturday during the team's flight from Polokwane, South Africa, where they had just secured a vital 2-1 victory over Lesotho. The ValueJet aircraft, carrying players, coaches, and government officials, made a routine refuelling stop in Luanda, Angola. After resuming its journey, a loud crack was heard in the aircraft's windshield approximately 25 minutes into the flight. This forced the pilot to make a precautionary U-turn and an emergency landing back in Luanda.

Officials from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that emergency protocols were swiftly followed, ensuring the safe disembarkation of all passengers. A top NFF official described the incident as "a close call that could have been worse." The airline subsequently arranged an alternative aircraft to complete the journey, eventually bringing the team to Uyo. Upon arrival, the contingent proceeded directly to their Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, with a light training session scheduled later in the day at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

The Super Eagles are set to face the Benin Republic, also known as the Cheetahs or Squirrels, in a decisive final qualifier on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. The stakes are incredibly high, as victory is essential for Nigeria to stand a chance of securing an automatic ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Currently, the race for qualification from Group C is intense with just one matchday remaining. Benin Republic leads the group with 17 points and a +5 goal difference. South Africa is second with 15 points and a +3 goal difference, while Nigeria sits in third place with 14 points and a +3 goal difference. Rwanda follows with 11 points, Lesotho with 9 points, and Zimbabwe with 5 points.

For Nigeria to clinch the automatic qualification spot, they must defeat the Benin Republic and simultaneously hope that South Africa fails to defeat Rwanda in their final game. The Super Eagles' recent 2-1 win against Lesotho was crucial, with goals from captain William Troost-Ekong and striker Akor Adams keeping their World Cup dreams alive.

Amidst the preparations, first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has been a focal point of discussion. His recent performances have drawn criticism from fans, particularly after errors in matches against Zimbabwe and Lesotho that almost proved costly. Upon the team's arrival in Uyo, some supporters at the Victor Attah International Airport were heard shouting at Nwabali, urging him to "calm down," to which he responded with a brief wave before boarding the team bus.