On Saturday, Nigeria’s Super Eagles experienced a close call when their chartered ValueJet aircraft was forced to execute an emergency landing in Luanda, Angola, following a technical fault mid-flight, as reported by Soccernet.ng.
The team was en route from Polokwane, South Africa, heading to Uyo in Akwa Ibom State to prepare for the pivotal 2026 World Cup qualifying fixture against Benin Republic, scheduled for the upcoming Tuesday.
After a routine refueling stop in Luanda, trouble arose roughly 25 minutes into the subsequent leg of the journey when a sharp cracking sound was heard, and the cockpit windshield showed a noticeable crack.
According to eyewitness accounts, the pilot reacted swiftly by turning the aircraft back and safely landing at Luanda airport. Thankfully, all players, coaching staff, and government officials aboard were unharmed and disembarked without any complications.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) released an official statement acknowledging the incident and praised the flight crew for their prompt and professional response during the emergency.
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“Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft suffered a cracked cockpit windscreen. The pilot’s immediate decision to return ensured a safe landing in Luanda,” the NFF confirmed.
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This same ValueJet aircraft had earlier transported part of the Super Eagles delegation to South Africa earlier in the week. The NFF also confirmed that arrangements are in progress to secure an alternative plane from Lagos to enable the team to continue their journey.
“ValueJet Airline, in collaboration with Nigerian government representatives including the Ministers of Aviation and Foreign Affairs, as well as the President’s Chief of Staff, are actively working to obtain the necessary approvals for another aircraft to transport the delegation to Uyo,” the federation added.
Despite this unforeseen setback, the Super Eagles are expected to resume their journey to Uyo later on Saturday as they gear up for the crucial World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic, a match vital to Nigeria’s hopes of advancing in the tournament.