The Cheetahs of Benin have arrived in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying showdown against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

The Beninese delegation, led by their football federation officials and technical crew, landed in Nigeria on Saturday, October 11, aboard a special flight chartered by the Benin government. The journey from Cotonou lasted nearly four hours, underscoring the importance the West African nation attaches to this fixture.

Buoyed by their 2–1 victory over Rwanda, the Cheetahs currently sit atop Group C and are on the brink of making history with what could be their first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup. The team wasted no time settling into Uyo, immediately turning their attention to Tuesday’s decisive encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

According to officials, the team will hold its first training session on Sunday, October 12, at 10 a.m. on the annex pitch of the Uyo Stadium. The session will help the players recover from the physically demanding game against Rwanda and adjust to the Nigerian conditions ahead of the high-stakes encounter.

The match, billed for Tuesday, October 14, 2025, is shaping up to be a winner-takes-all battle. For Benin, a win or even a draw could confirm their place in the 2026 World Cup finals — an unprecedented milestone in their football history.

Meanwhile, hosts Nigeria, who are chasing a return to the global stage after missing the 2022 edition in Qatar, are under pressure to reclaim lost ground and keep their qualification hopes alive.

With both teams aware of the magnitude of the occasion, all eyes will be on Uyo as the 10th day of the World Cup qualifiers delivers one of Africa’s most decisive fixtures.

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The Super Eagles’ return to Nigeria has been unexpectedly delayed after a chartered ValueJet aircraft conveying the team from Polokwane, South Africa, to Uyo suffered a cracked windscreen mid-air on Saturday.

According to a statement from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the incident occurred shortly after the plane took off from Luanda, Angola, where it had made a routine refueling stop. The pilot was said to have skillfully guided the aircraft back to the Luanda airport, ensuring the safety of all passengers on board.

The same aircraft had transported part of the Nigerian delegation to Polokwane on Thursday night ahead of Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa.

It was also the same plane that handled the team’s previous trips to and from Bloemfontein for last month’s clash with Bafana Bafana.

As a result of the mid-air incident, the players and officials remain stranded in Angola while efforts are being made to arrange an alternative aircraft.

“The ValueJet Airline and relevant Federal Government authorities — including the Minister of Aviation, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Chief of Staff to the President — are working tirelessly to secure the necessary overflying and landing permits for another aircraft to fly from Lagos to Luanda and convey the delegation to Uyo,” the NFF said in its statement.

The delay has disrupted the team’s travel plans ahead of their crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Benin Republic scheduled for Tuesday in Uyo.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA

Nigeria’s striking options received a fresh boost on Friday as Sevilla forward Akor Jerome Adams marked his senior international debut with a goal, becoming the 61st player to score on his first appearance for Nigeria national team since the country’s debut on 8 October 1949.

Adams, who replaced Tolu Arokodare in the 63rd minute of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, made an instant impact when he found the net in the 80th minute, calmly slotting home after connecting with a precise pass from Victor Osimhen.

The goal capped a memorable night for the 24-year-old La Liga player, who has steadily risen through the football ranks from Nigeria’s grassroots to Europe’s top flight.

Akor Adams was part of Nigeria’s Flying Eagles squad at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland, showcasing the promise that has now blossomed on the senior stage.

He began his professional journey with Jamba Football Academy in Nigeria before securing a move to Norwegian club Lillestrøm in December 2021.

His prolific form there earned him a transfer to Montpellier in France two years later, and earlier this year, he sealed a switch to Sevilla in Spain’s La Liga.

With his goal-scoring debut, Adams joins an illustrious list of Nigerian footballers who have announced themselves on the international stage in style—rekindling optimism about the Super Eagles’ attacking depth as the World Cup qualifiers reach a decisive phase.

NIGERIA’S SCORING DEBUTANTS SINCE 1949

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