The Super Eagles’ journey to Uyo for Tuesday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic has been disrupted after their aircraft suffered a cracked windscreen mid-flight, forcing an emergency return to Angola.
The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed on Saturday that the ValueJet Airline plane carrying the team’s delegation from Polokwane, South Africa, had to make an unscheduled landing in Luanda following the frightening incident.
The NFF disclosed that the same aircraft had successfully transported part of the squad to Polokwane on Thursday night, touching down on Friday morning without incident.
However, trouble struck during the return leg. After a routine refuelling stop in Luanda, the aircraft developed the fault shortly after take-off, prompting the pilot to execute an emergency return.
“The same aircraft had flown some members of the delegation to Polokwane on Thursday night, arriving in the South African city on Friday morning,” the NFF stated.
“However, after a routine refuelling stop in Luanda, Angola (where the plane also stopped to refuel on Thursday night, and where the same plane had stopped to refuel to and from Bloemfontein in South Africa for the Matchday 8 encounter between the Super Eagles and the Bafana Bafana last month), the aircraft suffered a cracked windscreen mid-air after take-off, and the pilot did well to guide the aeroplane safely back to the airport in Luanda.”
The football federation praised the pilot’s skill in safely returning the aircraft to Luanda airport despite the dangerous situation.
According to the NFF, efforts are now in full swing to get the team to Uyo in time for Tuesday’s match. ValueJet Airline is working alongside several Federal Government authorities to arrange an alternative aircraft.
“ValueJet Airline and the relevant Federal Government of Nigeria authorities, including the Hon. Minister of Aviation, the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Chief of Staff to Mr President, are working assiduously to get the necessary overflying and landing permits for another aircraft to fly from Lagos, pick the delegation in Luanda and fly them to Uyo,” the federation explained.
The Super Eagles are due to face the Squirrels of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Tuesday in a must-win World Cup qualifying fixture.
