The Super Eagles of Nigeria faced a tense moment in the skies on their journey to Uyo for a crucial World Cup qualifier, when their ValueJet aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing shortly after takeoff from Luanda, Angola.
The flight, en route from Polokwane, South Africa where the team had been in transit experienced a cracked windscreen just minutes after departing Luanda, prompting the pilot to safely return the aircraft to the airport.
READ ALSO
Fortunately, all players, officials, and crew on board are reported to be safe and in good condition.The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that the pilot handled the emergency with professionalism and calm, averting what could have been a far more serious situation.
In response, the NFF has quickly arranged for a replacement aircraft to be dispatched from Lagos to Luanda to transport the team and officials to Uyo.
The federation emphasized that the safety of the players and technical crew remains the top priority. However, the incident has caused a significant delay in the team’s arrival ahead of their crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
On the other hand, the Beninese team arrived in Uyo earlier today and will now benefit from more preparation and rest time than their Nigerian counterparts. The match, which is critical in determining qualification for the 2026 World Cup, now carries even more pressure for the Super Eagles.
Despite the scare, fans and officials are relieved that there were no injuries and are hopeful that the delay won’t dampen the team’s performance. As the footballing world watches, the Super Eagles will aim to put the turbulence behind them and look to secure a vital win on home soil.
Watch the video of the ValueJet flight with a cracked windscreen below.
