By: Boluwatife Kehinde
Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, has safely landed in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, after experiencing an unexpected and tense mid-flight emergency that caused a significant delay during their journey from South Africa.
The team is currently preparing for a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Benin Republic scheduled for Tuesday.
The Super Eagles touched down at the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo at 8:05 am on Sunday, confirming their arrival through a statement issued by the team’s media officer, Promise Efoghe, who expressed relief at the team’s safe return: “Finally, Super Eagles arrive in Uyo, Akwa Ibom. The team touched down at 8:05 a.m. Sunday morning,” he stated.
READ ALSO: Super Eagles soar past Lesotho to set up do-or-die World Cup clash with Benin
Upon landing, a video released by the team’s media department captured players and officials disembarking from the ValueJet aircraft, symbolising the conclusion of a nerve-wracking and delayed journey that had started in Polokwane, South Africa.
The Super Eagles had left Polokwane late Saturday evening, following their match preparations.
However, what should have been a routine flight became alarming when, approximately 25 minutes after take-off, the ValueJet aircraft, which had previously made a refueling stop in Luanda, Angola, developed a serious technical fault. A loud cracking sound from the aircraft’s windscreen prompted the pilot to make an emergency decision. He skillfully executed a U-turn, returning the aircraft safely to Luanda.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) swiftly confirmed that the cracked windscreen necessitated this emergency landing, ensuring that all players, officials, and accompanying government delegates disembarked safely once back in Luanda.
The federation released an official statement detailing the events, emphasising that the incident occurred after what was meant to be a regular refueling stop.
The pilot was praised for his quick response in safely guiding the aircraft back to the airport.
In the aftermath of the emergency, the NFF revealed its collaboration with ValueJet Airline, which worked diligently with relevant Nigerian government authorities including the Ministers of Aviation and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Chief of Staff to the President, to secure the necessary permits for a replacement aircraft to continue the journey to Nigeria.
“The ValueJet Airline and the relevant Federal Government of Nigeria authorities are working assiduously to get the necessary overflying and landing permits for another aircraft to fly from Lagos, pick the delegation in Luanda, and transport them to Uyo,” read the NFF statement.
Ultimately, the process led to a replacement aircraft arriving to successfully complete the journey on Sunday morning, thus ending nearly 12 hours of travel disruption for the Super Eagles.
READ ALSO: Super Eagles arrive in Polokwane ahead of crucial World Cup Qualifier against Lesotho
With this incident behind them, Coach Eric Chelle and his team can now fully focus on the significant World Cup qualifier against the Benin Republic.
This match, set to take place on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, holds immense importance for Nigeria as they strive for a successful qualification in the challenging campaign leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
