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The aircraft carrying Nigeria’s Super Eagles from South Africa to Uyo for their final World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic made an emergency landing in Luanda, Angola, on Saturday after developing a technical fault mid-air.
The ValueJet aircraft, which had earlier stopped in Luanda to refuel, reportedly turned back about 25 minutes after take-off when a loud crack appeared on the windshield, prompting the pilot to activate emergency protocols.
All players, officials, and government delegates aboard were safely evacuated after landing.
In a statement, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that a cracked windscreen caused the incident.
“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 said.
The same aircraft had transported part of the delegation to Polokwane, South Africa, on Thursday night for earlier fixtures.
According to the federation, arrangements are underway for another aircraft to be dispatched from Lagos to pick up the team.
“ValueJet Airline and relevant Federal Government authorities, including the Ministers of Aviation and Foreign Affairs as well as the Chief of Staff to the President, are working to secure overflying and landing permits for a replacement aircraft,” the NFF added.
The Super Eagles are expected to arrive in Uyo ahead of their crucial qualifying match once the new aircraft is cleared to depart.
