By Nancy Okojie,
LUANDA, ANGOLA — The Nigerian Super Eagles’ journey home from South Africa was dramatically halted on Saturday evening when their chartered ValueJet aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing in Luanda, Angola, after its windshield cracked mid-air.
The incident caused a brief period of panic but, thankfully, due to the swift and professional response of the flight crew, all players, team officials, and government delegates on board were safely evacuated without injury.
The Super Eagles delegation was en route to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, following their crucial 2-1 victory over Lesotho in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match in Polokwane, South Africa.
According to a statement from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the ValueJet aircraft had made a routine refueling stop in the Angolan capital, Luanda. Approximately 25 minutes after taking off for the final leg of the journey to Uyo, the crew noticed a heavy crack in the aircraft’s windshield, which was likely caused by pressure.
The pilot immediately initiated emergency procedures and skillfully guided the plane back to the Luanda International Airport.
NFF Confirms Safety and Logistics
The NFF quickly confirmed the incident, stressing that the safety of the entire delegation was the immediate priority.
“The pilot did exceptionally well to guide the aeroplane safely back to the airport in Luanda,” an NFF official stated. “No injuries were recorded among the players or officials onboard.”
The scare has, however, delayed the team’s arrival in Uyo, where they are scheduled to face Benin Republic on Tuesday in a must-win final World Cup qualifier match.
Replacement Aircraft and Government Intervention
To ensure the team arrives in Nigeria promptly for their critical match preparation, ValueJet Airlines, in coordination with the Federal Government of Nigeria, took immediate action to resolve the situation.
A replacement aircraft was reportedly dispatched from Lagos to Luanda. The move required urgent securing of overflying and landing permits, a process that involved collaboration among the airline, the NFF, the Ministry of Aviation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President.
Sources close to the team confirmed that despite the travel disruption, the players remain calm, focused, and eager to put the travel setback behind them to concentrate fully on the decisive match against the Benin Republic.
The Super Eagles are currently fighting a fierce battle for the top spot in their World Cup qualifying group, making their safe and timely arrival in Uyo paramount for their final preparation. The entire contingent is expected to resume their journey and arrive in Nigeria as soon as the necessary clearances for the replacement aircraft are complete.
