Nigeria’s Super Eagles have safely arrived in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, after their flight from South Africa was delayed due to a mid-air technical fault
The team landed at the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo at 8:05 a.m. on Sunday ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic on Tuesday.
“Finally, Super Eagles arrive in Uyo, Akwa Ibom. The team touched down at 8:05 a.m. Sunday morning,” team media officer Promise Efoghe confirmed in a statement.
A video shared by the team’s media department showed players and officials stepping off the ValueJet aircraft, marking the end of an anxious and extended journey that began in Polokwane, South Africa.
The delegation had departed South Africa late Saturday, but their trip took an unexpected turn after a routine refuelling stop in Luanda, Angola. About 25 minutes after takeoff, a loud crack appeared on the aircraft’s windscreen, prompting the pilot to make an emergency return to Luanda.
In a statement, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that the aircraft’s windscreen damage forced the pilot to turn back as a precautionary measure. All players, officials, and government delegates onboard were reported safe.
The NFF added that ValueJet worked with the Federal Government — including the Ministers of Aviation and Foreign Affairs, and the Chief of Staff to the President — to secure emergency flight permits for a replacement aircraft.
“The ValueJet Airline and relevant Federal Government authorities worked tirelessly to obtain overflying and landing permits for another aircraft to fly from Lagos, pick up the delegation in Luanda, and complete the trip to Uyo,” the statement said.
After nearly 12 hours of disruption, the replacement aircraft successfully flew the team to Nigeria on Sunday morning.
With the travel ordeal behind them, the Super Eagles will now shift focus to Tuesday’s must-win World Cup qualifier against the Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
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