Super Eagles escape mid-air scare en route to Nigeria

The Super Eagles of Nigeria experienced travel difficulties on their journey back home from South Africa after their aircraft developed technical issues mid-air.

Nigeria were returning home for their final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin following a 2-1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane, South Africa.

However, while airborne, the chartered aircraft carrying the team developed a cracked windscreen, as confirmed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

“The ValueJet Airline plane conveying the team from Polokwane, South Africa, to Uyo for Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic developed a cracked windscreen mid-air after taking off from a refueling stop in Luanda, Angola.

The pilot, acting swiftly and professionally, safely returned the aircraft to the Luanda airport, averting any danger,” read part of the NFF statement.

The NFF further explained that the aircraft had undergone normal procedures and that the issue was unforeseen.

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“The same aircraft had previously transported some members of the Super Eagles delegation to Polokwane on Thursday night, arriving in South Africa on Friday morning.

It had also been used for similar routes during the team’s Matchday 8 encounter against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein last month,” the federation added.

Despite the setback, the NFF, ValueJet, and relevant federal authorities, including the Ministers of Aviation and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Chief of Staff to the President, acted swiftly to secure overflying and landing permits for a replacement aircraft.

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The new plane flew from Lagos to Luanda, Angola, and successfully conveyed the team to Uyo, where they landed safely on Saturday, October 11.

Nigeria’s win over Lesotho kept them three points behind group leaders Benin and one point adrift of South Africa, who were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe.

With only one match remaining, the Super Eagles will need a win against Benin and hope that Rwanda avoids defeat against South Africa to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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