October 11, 2025-Published by Cyril
The aircraft conveying Nigeria’s Super Eagles from South Africa to Uyo for their final World Cup qualifier against the Benin Republic made an emergency landing in Luanda, Angola, on Saturday after developing a technical fault mid-air.
According to reports, the ValueJet aircraft, which had initially stopped in Luanda to refuel, turned back about 25 minutes after takeoff when a loud crack appeared on the windshield, prompting the pilot to initiate emergency procedures.
All players, officials, and government delegates on board were safely evacuated upon landing.
The same aircraft had flown part of the Super Eagles delegation to Polokwane on Thursday night, arriving in South Africa on Friday morning.
Confirming the incident, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said a cracked windscreen caused the emergency landing.
HEED: Follow us on Instagram or any other social media platform and get the most reliable news directly in your favourite app!
- “After a routine refuelling stop in Luanda, Angola—where the same aircraft also stopped to refuel earlier—the plane developed a cracked windscreen mid-air after take-off. The pilot handled the situation professionally and safely guided the aircraft back to the airport in Luanda,” the NFF stated.
The football body also revealed that arrangements were underway for another aircraft to fly from Lagos to pick up the delegation.
- “ValueJet Airline and relevant Federal Government authorities, including the Ministers of Aviation and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Chief of Staff to the President, are working swiftly to secure the necessary overflying and landing permits for another aircraft to transport the team from Luanda to Uyo,” the statement added.
NaijaBlogDaily# is visible on all social media platforms, bringing you the latest Nigerian news on politics, economy, entertainment, and celebrity updates. Including sports across Nigeria and beyond…
Keep visiting and following up with us on any social media platform you are using to keep you updated 💯
Remember (information brings knowledge and power).
STAY TUNED!!!
