After flight scare, Super Eagles finally arrive in Uyo ahead of WCQ against Gernot Rohr's Cheetahs

The Super Eagles have safely arrived in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, ahead of Tuesday's crucial 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifying clash against Gernot Rohr's Cheetahs at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

The Nigerian contingent, comprising players, coaches and officials, touched down at the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo at exactly 8:05 a.m. on Sunday morning, finally bringing an end to a dramatic travel ordeal that had caused concern among fans.

On Saturday, the team experienced a frightening mid-air emergency while en route to Nigeria.

The Value Jet aircraft has made an initial stop in Luanda to refuel before embarking on the trip to Uyo.

But twenty five minutes into the flight, the pilot made a U-turn into Luanda after a heavy crack on the aircraft's windshield distorted what had started as a smoot flight.

Thanks to the composure of the flight crew and the professionalism of the pilot, the aircraft landed safely, and all passengers were unharmed.

The Nigerian Football Federation quickly coordinated alternative travel arrangements, dispatching a new plane from Nigeria to convey the team to their final destination in Uyo.

Meanwhile, their opponents Benin arrived in Uyo on Saturday aboard a special flight chartered by the Beninese government, allowing them an extra day of rest and preparation.

Upon arrival, the Super Eagles were scheduled to hold a light recovery session later on Sunday, followed by a full training session on Monday as they fine-tune tactics for the high-stakes encounter.

As things stand in Group C, the Cheetahs lead the table with 17 points, two ahead of South Africa's Bafana Bafana on 15 points, while Nigeria sit third with 14 points.

For the Super Eagles to keep their World Cup dream alive, they must defeat Benin by at least a two-goal margin and hope that South Africa drop points against Rwanda.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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