The Super Eagles journey back to Nigeria ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic suffered an unexpected setback after the aircraft conveying the team developed a cracked windscreen mid-air
According to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the ValueJet Airline plane, which was flying the squad from Polokwane, South Africa, was forced to make an emergency return to Luanda, Angola, on Saturday after the damage was detected.
The same aircraft had earlier transported part of the delegation to Polokwane on Thursday night, arriving there on Friday morning. However, during the return leg, shortly after refuelling in Luanda, the pilot noticed the crack and made a safe emergency landing.
“The pilot did well to guide the airplane safely back to the airport in Luanda after the aircraft suffered a cracked windscreen mid-air,” the NFF said in a statement.
The federation confirmed that efforts are now in motion to ensure the team arrives in Uyo as soon as possible for Tuesday’s qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
“ValueJet Airline, in collaboration with relevant federal authorities — including the Minister of Aviation, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Chief of Staff to the President — is working tirelessly to secure another aircraft from Lagos to pick up the delegation in Luanda and fly them to Uyo,” the statement added.
The Super Eagles are set to face the Squirrels of Benin Republic in what is seen as a must-win encounter for Nigeria’s World Cup hopes.
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