The aircraft that was taking the Super Eagles home from Polokwane, South Africa, following their match against Lesotho to Uyo for their final World Cup qualifier had to make an emergency landing in Luanda, Angola, and the Super Eagles were able to escape harm yesterday.
The National Football Federation (NFF) reports that "the ValueJet Airline plane conveying the team from Polokwane, South Africa, to Uyo for Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic developed a cracked windscreen mid-air after taking off from a refueling stop in Luanda, Angola." This occurred while the plane was en route to Uyo for the match.
“The aircraft was safely returned to the Luanda airport by the pilot, who acted quickly and professionally, avoiding any danger.
Some members of the Super Eagles delegation had previously been transported by the same aircraft to Polokwane on Thursday night, and it had arrived in South Africa on Friday morning.
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During the team's match against Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Matchday 8 in Bloemfontein last month, it had also been used for similar routes.
“The NFF reassured stakeholders and fans that ValueJet and relevant federal authorities, such as the Chief of Staff to the President and the Ministers of Aviation and Foreign Affairs, are urgently obtaining overflight and landing permits for a replacement aircraft.
The new plane will depart Lagos for Luanda, where it will pick up the delegation and safely transport them to Uyo.
The federation expressed gratitude for the understanding and patience of supporters as efforts continue to ensure the team’s safe arrival ahead of Tuesday’s crucial fixture.