The Super Eagles’ journey to Uyo for Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic was disrupted on Saturday after the aircraft conveying the team suffered a cracked windscreen mid-air, forcing an emergency return to Luanda, Angola.
In a statement, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said the ValueJet aircraft conveying the team from Polokwane, South Africa, was compelled to turn back shortly after take-off from a refuelling stop in Luanda.
“The same aircraft had earlier flown part of the delegation to Polokwane on Thursday night, arriving in South Africa on Friday morning.
However, during the return trip, the plane developed a fault after take-off from Luanda, prompting the pilot to safely return to the airport,” the statement read.
The NFF added that efforts are underway to ensure the team’s prompt arrival in Uyo, with ValueJet and relevant government authorities—including the Ministers of Aviation and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Chief of Staff to the President—working to secure the necessary permits for an alternative aircraft to pick up the delegation.
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The Super Eagles are expected to arrive in Uyo ahead of their crucial qualifier against the Squirrels of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Tuesday.
