The Super Eagles narrowly escaped tragedy on Sunday after their aircraft made an emergency landing in Luanda, Angola, following a mid-air technical fault.
The Nigerian national team was returning from Polokwane, South Africa, where they had played against Lesotho, and were on their way to Uyo for Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic when the incident happened.
According to a statement from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the ValueJet aircraft carrying the team developed a cracked windscreen shortly after takeoff from a refuelling stop in Luanda.
“The pilot, acting swiftly and professionally, safely returned the aircraft to the Luanda airport, averting any danger,” the NFF said.
The same plane had been used to transport some members of the Super Eagles delegation to South Africa last Thursday and had also served for similar trips during the team’s qualifier against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein last month.
The NFF added that efforts were underway to arrange a replacement aircraft to continue the journey. “ValueJet and relevant federal authorities — including the Ministers of Aviation and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Chief of Staff to the President — are working urgently to secure overflying and landing permits for a new aircraft. The replacement plane will fly from Lagos to Luanda to pick up the delegation and convey them safely to Uyo,” the statement said.
The federation thanked fans and supporters for their patience and understanding while arrangements are being made to ensure the players’ safe return ahead of Tuesday’s crucial match against Benin Republic.
