The Super Eagles returned safely to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, after Saturday’s mid-air emergency on their Value Jet flight from Angola  but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was again the focus of fan reaction.

Upon the teams arrival at Uyo, Nigerian fans were seen warning Super Eagles goal keeper, Stanley Nwabali to remain composed and not to allow similar errors he committed against Lesotho to cause the eagles the much needed 2026 World Cup ticket, as the team confronts the Squirrels of Benin Republic on Tuesday

Video captured by journalist Ademola Victor at the Victor Attah International Airport showed supporters shouting “Nwabali, calm down!” and “No do o, no do o!”.

A stern warning from Nigerian fans who have grown wary of what they perceive as arrogance, overconfidence and unnecessary theatrics from the Chippa United shot-stopper.

The chants mirror sentiments that have swept across social media since Nwabali’s error against Lesotho in last week’s 2–1 win, where his fumbled corner led to a late goal before the Eagles rallied to victory.

Though Nigeria won, supporters believe the 29-year-old has grown “too comfortable” in goal. Many say his performances in the last two matches have lacked composure, with fans accusing him of showboating and losing focus.

The mood around the team had already been tense following the mid-air incident in Luanda, where the aircraft conveying the Super Eagles from South Africa to Uyo was forced into an emergency landing after a cracked windscreen was discovered shortly after taxing off.

The team spent hours grounded in the Angolan capital before a replacement plane was sent from Lagos, finally arriving in Uyo at 8:10 a.m. on Sunday.

Since the retirement of Vincent Enyeama, Nigeria has struggled for a stable pair of hands, from Francis Uzoho’s inconsistency to Maduka Okoye’s dip in form.

Nwabali’s emergence brought brief calm, but his recent mistakes have reopened old wounds.

Stanley Nwabali will have to redeem himself to earn back the trust of Nigerians. Photo Credit: Getty Images

With just one World Cup qualifier left against Benin Republic, the Eagles are under pressure. Nigeria currently sit third in Group C with 14 points, trailing leaders Benin(17 points) and South Africa ( 15)

These results will be decisive. Only the group winner qualifies directly, with runners-up facing a difficult playoff route.

Akwa Ibom FA Chairman welcomes Super Eagles to Uyo, rallies support ahead Benin clash

Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, Mr Samuel Umoh, has warmly welcomed the Super Eagles of Nigeria to Uyo following their safe arrival at the Victor Attah International Airport on Sunday morning.

The team touched down at exactly 8:10 a.m. to a reception from officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Akwa Ibom FA, and hundreds of fans who gathered to cheer the players after their delayed return from South Africa.

Mr Umoh, who was at the airport to personally receive the team, encouraged the players to put the stress of their interrupted journey behind them and focus on the crucial World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic on Tuesday.

He also called on football-loving Nigerians, especially fans in Akwa Ibom, to come out in large numbers to support the Super Eagles as they continue their quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“We are happy to welcome our national team back to Uyo,” Mr Umoh said. “The people of Akwa Ibom are passionate about football and the Super Eagles. We urge the players to remain focused and give their best, and we call on our fans to fill the stadium and cheer them all the way as we keep hope alive.”

The Super Eagles’ arrival followed a mid-air emergency on Saturday, when their ValueJet chartered aircraft developed a cracked windscreen shortly after taking off from Luanda, Angola, during a refuelling stop.

After quick coordination between the NFF, ValueJet Airlines, and government agencies, a replacement aircraft was deployed, ensuring the team’s safe return home.

The Super Eagles are expected to resume training immediately ahead of Tuesday’s must-win fixture against Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.