Cracked Windscreen Delays Super Eagles’ Arrival in Uyo Ahead of World Cup Qualifier

The Super Eagles’ journey back to Nigeria for Tuesday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash against Benin Republic has been unexpectedly delayed after the ValueJet aircraft conveying the team suffered a cracked windscreen mid-air.

According to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the incident occurred shortly after take-off from a routine refueling stop in Luanda, Angola. The pilot reportedly handled the situation calmly and returned the plane safely to the Luanda airport.

The same ValueJet aircraft had earlier flown members of the Super Eagles delegation to Polokwane, South Africa, for last Friday’s qualifier against the Bafana Bafana, making similar refueling stops in Luanda on both legs of the trip.

Following the mid-air technical issue, efforts are now in top gear to secure another aircraft to convey the players and officials from Luanda to Uyo. Relevant government bodies including the Federal Ministry of Aviation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Chief of Staff to the President are collaborating with ValueJet to obtain the required overflying and landing permits.

The NFF assured that all members of the delegation are safe and in good spirits as they await transportation to Uyo, where preparations will continue for the decisive encounter against Benin Republic.