The Super Eagles’ journey to Uyo for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic took an unexpected turn on Friday when the team’s chartered aircraft experienced a technical fault mid-flight.
According to reports, the ValueJet aircraft developed a cracked windscreen shortly after take-off from Luanda, Angola, where it had stopped to refuel en route from Polokwane, South Africa, to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The pilot, displaying commendable professionalism, promptly returned the aircraft to Luanda Airport, ensuring the safe landing of all passengers and crew members.
In a statement, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that all players and officials were safe, adding that arrangements are underway to dispatch another aircraft from Lagos to transport the delegation to Uyo.
The incident, while causing a delay in the team’s arrival, will not affect preparations for the decisive Group C World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria and Benin Republic — a fixture that could determine the Super Eagles’ fate in the race to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
For now, the Super Eagles appear to be chasing two tickets — a flight ticket to Uyo, and a World Cup ticket to North America.
— Lagos Panorama
