The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that a cracked windscreen on the chartered ValueJet aircraft conveying the Super Eagles from Polokwane, South Africa, to Uyo has delayed the team’s arrival ahead of Tuesday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic.

According to the NFF, the incident occurred shortly after the aircraft made a routine refuelling stop in Luanda, Angola.

Moments after take-off, the pilot detected a crack in the windscreen and safely guided the plane back to the Luanda airport.

The same aircraft had previously flown members of the Nigerian delegation to South Africa on Thursday night, arriving in Polokwane on Friday morning for the 2–1 victory over Lesotho.

The NFF revealed that ValueJet Airline, alongside federal authorities, is working tirelessly to ensure the team reaches Uyo in time.

Top government officials involved in the process include the Minister of Aviation, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Chief of Staff to the President.

“Efforts are ongoing to secure overflying and landing permits for another aircraft to fly from Lagos, pick the delegation in Luanda, and bring them to Uyo,” the NFF stated.

The delay comes at a critical moment for the Super Eagles, who must defeat Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Tuesday to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive.

Nigeria currently sits third in their group with 14 points, behind Benin (17 pts) and South Africa (15 pts), making the upcoming match a must-win encounter.