The Super Eagles of Nigeria have safely arrived in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, after a replacement aircraft was dispatched from Lagos to pick up the team following Saturday’s emergency landing in Luanda, Angola, SportPremi reports.
The team touched down at the Victor Attah International Airport around 8:05 a.m. on Sunday morning, only hours after their flight was forced to divert mid-air due to a cracked cockpit windscreen.
NFF Officials Confirm Safe Arrival
Officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed to SportPremi that the team has landed safely, with all players, coaches, and staff in good condition. The delegation is expected to resume preparations immediately for Tuesday’s must-win World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic.
“The Super Eagles have safely arrived in Uyo this morning after the ValueJet replacement aircraft was cleared to depart Luanda,” NFF officials confirmed to SportPremi. “All players and officials are well and in good spirits ahead of Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Benin Republic.”
The Federation, working alongside the Federal Ministry of Aviation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, coordinated with ValueJet Airlines to secure emergency flight and landing permits for the replacement aircraft that eventually flew the team to Nigeria.
What Happened During the Angola Flight Scare
The ValueJet aircraft transporting the Super Eagles from South Africa developed a cracked windscreen shortly after taking off from Luanda, where it had stopped to refuel. The pilot, upon noticing the fault, acted swiftly and safely guided the plane back to the Luanda Airport. There were no injuries, and the entire delegation remained calm as the crew handled the situation professionally.
The same ValueJet aircraft had previously flown members of the Super Eagles delegation to and from South Africa for earlier World Cup qualifying matches.
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Following the incident, ValueJet Airlines sent a replacement aircraft from Lagos, which departed after obtaining overflight and landing clearance from the relevant aviation authorities.
Super Eagles Media Officer, Promise Eforge, assured SportPremi on Saturday night that the players and officials were safe and in good spirits while awaiting transportation back to Nigeria.
Super Eagles Set to Resume Training in Uyo
With their safe return confirmed, the Super Eagles are expected to resume training later today at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, ahead of Tuesday’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic. The Benin national team arrived in Uyo on Saturday and will have their final training session at the same venue this evening.
Nigeria is currently in third place in Group C, with 14 points. They trail behind leaders Benin, who have 17 points, and second-placed South Africa, with 15 points. A win on Tuesday is crucial for the Super Eagles to keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive.
