The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced a delay in the Super Eagles‘ return journey to Nigeria from South Africa due to a technical issue encountered mid-flight.
In an official release on Saturday, the NFF revealed that the ValueJet Airline plane carrying the team from Polokwane, South Africa, to Uyo in Akwa Ibom State experienced a cracked windscreen shortly after departing from Luanda, Angola, where it had stopped for refueling.
“This particular aircraft had previously transported some delegation members to Polokwane on Thursday night, arriving the following morning,” the Federation explained.
“Following a routine refueling stop in Luanda-where the plane had also paused on Thursday night and during previous trips to and from Bloemfontein for the Super Eagles’ Matchday 8 fixture against Bafana Bafana last month-the aircraft developed a cracked windscreen shortly after takeoff. The pilot skillfully managed to return the plane safely to Luanda airport,” the statement continued.
The NFF reassured supporters that all passengers remained unharmed and praised the pilot’s calm and professional handling of the situation, which ensured everyone’s safety.
Efforts are currently underway to expedite the team’s arrival in Uyo ahead of their vital 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against the Benin Republic’s Squirrels, scheduled for Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
“ValueJet Airline, alongside key Nigerian government officials-including the Honorable Minister of Aviation, the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the President’s Chief of Staff-are diligently coordinating to secure the necessary overflight and landing clearances for a replacement aircraft. This plane will depart from Lagos, collect the delegation in Luanda, and transport them to Uyo,” the Federation added.
The Super Eagles are anticipated to reach Uyo promptly once the substitute aircraft receives operational approval.