The Super Eagles’ trip to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Benin Republic has been delayed after the team’s aircraft developed a cracked windshield mid-flight.
The incident occurred as the team was en route from Polokwane, South Africa to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State ahead of the final World Cup qualifier.
The Value Jet aircraft made an emergency landing in Luanda.
The players, officials and government delegates onboard have disembarked the aircraft safely, with no injuries recorded.
ValueJet Airline and the relevant Federal Government authorities, including the Minister of Aviation, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Chief of Staff to the President, are working assiduously to secure the necessary overflying and landing permits for another aircraft to fly from Lagos, pick up the delegation in Luanda, and convey them to Uyo.
The statement by the NFF read, “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.
“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 NFF assured fans and stakeholders that ValueJet and relevant federal authorities — including the Ministers of Aviation and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Chief of Staff to the President — are working urgently to secure overflying and landing permits for a replacement aircraft. The new plane will fly from Lagos to Luanda to pick up the delegation and convey them safely to Uyo.”