Mid-Air Scare Forces Super Eagles Emergency Landing En Route to Uyo

Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, experienced a significant scare Saturday when their chartered flight from South Africa was forced to make an emergency landing in Luanda, Angola, after a mid-air technical failure. The delegation was en route to Uyo for a crucial final World Cup qualifying match against the Benin Republic.

The ValueJet aircraft, transporting players, coaching staff, and government officials, initially made a routine stop in the Angolan capital for refueling. However, approximately 25 minutes after resuming its journey, the pilot was compelled to return to Luanda International Airport. Reports indicate a sudden, loud sound was followed by a visible crack on the aircraft’s windshield, necessitating the immediate implementation of emergency protocols.

All individuals aboard were confirmed safe and successfully evacuated following the aircraft’s secure touchdown.

The incident was officially acknowledged by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The federation corroborated that a fractured windscreen was the cause of the unscheduled landing. “The aircraft suffered a cracked windscreen mid-air after take-off, and the pilot did well to guide the aeroplane safely back to the airport in Luanda,” the NFF stated in a release.

The NFF also confirmed that this was not the first time the particular aircraft had been utilized for the team’s travel; it had previously conveyed a segment of the contingent to Polokwane on Thursday night. Furthermore, the plane had utilized Luanda as a refueling stop during its previous journey to and from Bloemfontein for the Super Eagles’ recent fixture against South Africa.

Immediate efforts are underway to resolve the travel disruption. The NFF has announced that arrangements are being finalized for a substitute aircraft to fly from Lagos, proceed to Luanda to collect the stranded delegation, and then continue the journey to Uyo, the designated venue for the upcoming qualifier.

ValueJet Airline, alongside key Nigerian Federal Government ministries—including Aviation and Foreign Affairs—and the Chief of Staff to the President, are working diligently to secure the essential overflying and landing clearances required for the replacement aircraft to complete the rescue operation and ensure the Super Eagles arrive in Uyo in time for their vital fixture.