BREAKING: Cracked Aircraft Windscreen Forces Super Eagles’ Plane to Return to Luanda – NFF

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that the Super Eagles’ arrival in Uyo has been delayed after the aircraft conveying the team suffered a cracked windscreen mid-air on Saturday.

According to the NFF, the ValueJet Airline aircraft flying the team from Polokwane, South Africa, to Uyo was forced to make an emergency return to Luanda, Angola, following the incident.

“After a routine refuelling stop in Luanda, the aircraft suffered a cracked windscreen mid-air shortly after take-off, and the pilot did well to guide the plane safely back to the airport,” the statement read.

The NFF noted that the same aircraft had earlier transported part of the delegation to Polokwane on Thursday night, arriving in South Africa on Friday morning.

It added that urgent efforts are being made to ensure the team’s prompt return to Uyo ahead of Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash against the Benin Republic.

“ValueJet Airline and the 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 another aircraft to fly from Lagos to Luanda and bring the delegation home,” the NFF stated.

The Super Eagles are expected to face the Squirrels of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, in a crucial qualifier on Tuesday.

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