Super Eagles Finally Lands in Uyo, Set for Benin Republic World Cup Qualifier 

Nigeria’s Super Eagles resumed full preparations in Uyo on Sunday, determined to put behind them a tense travel scare as they gear up for Tuesday’s decisive World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic.

The squad, led by head coach Eric Chelle, regrouped at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium barely 24 hours after their chartered aircraft made an emergency landing in Luanda, Angola, due to a cracked windscreen.

The ValueJet flight had been en route from Polokwane, South Africa, where Nigeria defeated Lesotho in their Group C fixture.

Upon arrival in Uyo, the team settled into the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Ikot-Ekpene, before holding a light recovery session at the stadium later in the evening.

The drills focused on stretching, ball circulation, and quick tactical adjustments as the players shook off travel fatigue.

Officials said the Super Eagles would hold their final training session by 6:30 p.m. on Monday, with Chelle expected to finalize his starting line-up and tactical approach.

Benin Republic, who top Group C, arrived in Uyo a day earlier and trained at the stadium’s practice pitch on Sunday morning.

They are scheduled to have their official session at the main bowl by 5 p.m. today, just before Nigeria takes the pitch.

Tuesday’s showdown will kick off at 5 p.m. and is expected to draw a large crowd as both nations fight for the group’s sole automatic qualification ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Meanwhile, South Africa will host Rwanda in Mbombela at the same time — a result that could directly influence the final Group C standings.