Super Eagles’ Flight Diverted After Mid-Air Incident

The aircraft transporting Nigeria’s Super Eagles from Polokwane, South Africa to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for their final World Cup qualifying match was forced to make an emergency landing in Luanda, Angola.

The ValueJet plane had initially made a routine stop in Luanda to refuel before continuing its journey to Nigeria. However, just 25 minutes after takeoff, the flight was abruptly turned around due to a significant crack that appeared on the aircraft’s windshield mid-air, disrupting what had been a smooth flight.

All passengers onboard — including players, team officials, and government delegates — safely disembarked upon return to Luanda and are currently awaiting further instructions from the airline operator.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), through its Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday. According to the NFF, the same aircraft had earlier flown part of the Nigerian delegation into Polokwane on Thursday night, arriving Friday morning without incident.

The cracked windshield was discovered shortly after takeoff following the refueling stop in Angola. The pilot acted swiftly, safely returning the aircraft to Luanda International Airport.

Officials from the Nigerian government, including Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, and Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, are involved in efforts to resolve the situation.

Arrangements are currently being made to obtain flight clearance for an alternative aircraft to transport the team from Luanda to Uyo as soon as possible.