The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that the Super Eagles’ trip to Uyo for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic was delayed after the aircraft conveying the team suffered a cracked windscreen mid-air.
According to a statement released by the NFF on Saturday, the ValueJet Airline plane flying the delegation from Polokwane, South Africa, was forced to return to Luanda, Angola, following the technical fault. The federation explained that the pilot handled the situation professionally and guided the aircraft back safely.
“The same aircraft had earlier flown some members of the delegation to Polokwane on Thursday night, arriving in the South African city on Friday morning,” the statement read. “However, after a routine refueling stop in Luanda, the aircraft developed a cracked windscreen shortly after take-off and had to return to the airport.”
Okay News gathered that the NFF is working closely with ValueJet Airline and relevant government authorities, including the Minister of Aviation, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Chief of Staff to the President, to ensure another aircraft is cleared to pick up the team from Luanda and convey them to Uyo without further delay.
The federation assured fans that efforts were being made to guarantee the team’s timely arrival ahead of Tuesday’s crucial World Cup qualifier.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to face the Squirrels of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, as they continue their campaign for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
