By our reporter
The Super Eagles of Nigeria arrived safely in Uyo on Saturday morning following a mid-air emergency that forced their aircraft to make an unscheduled landing in Luanda, Angola. The incident occurred after the plane’s cockpit windshield developed a crack shortly after takeoff, causing concern among passengers and crew members.
The team had been travelling from Polokwane, South Africa, where they played a FIFA World Cup qualifier, to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for their next match against the Benin Republic. The ValueJet chartered aircraft had made a scheduled refueling stop in Luanda. However, just 25 minutes after resuming the flight, the pilots noticed a crack in the cockpit windscreen—a serious fault that could pose risks to both visibility and cabin pressure.
Reacting swiftly, the pilot followed standard emergency procedures and returned the aircraft safely to the Luanda airport. No injuries were recorded, and all passengers, including players, coaches, and officials, disembarked safely without incident.
Following the emergency, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), in collaboration with ValueJet, aviation authorities, and relevant government agencies, made prompt arrangements for a replacement aircraft. Assistance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Chief of Staff ensured quick approvals for overflight and landing rights, allowing the new aircraft to pick up the team in Angola.
The replacement flight successfully transported the team to Uyo, where they landed at about 8:05 a.m. on Saturday. Despite the disruption to their travel schedule, team officials confirmed that morale remains high, and the players are focused on preparing for their upcoming World Cup qualifier.
A senior NFF official expressed gratitude for the safe outcome, praising the pilot’s calm response and the professionalism of the crew. The official also reassured supporters that all necessary precautions were taken to safeguard the players and coaching staff.
The incident has raised renewed concerns over travel logistics and safety for national teams. Stakeholders are calling for more rigorous checks and better coordination in organizing chartered flights for major sporting engagements.
With the team now safely in Uyo, focus shifts back to football, as the Super Eagles aim to secure critical points in their quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Though the journey faced an unexpected setback, the team’s resilience remains unshaken.
