Nigeria safely arrives in Uyo for final World Cup qualifier after mid-air scare

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have safely arrived in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, for their crucial final 2026 World Cup qualifier against Benin, concluding a tense 24-hour journey marked by a frightening mid-air incident.

Nigeria kept their World Cup qualification hopes alive after securing a 2-1 win over Lesotho in Polokwane, South Africa, but the team was forced to make an emergency landing in Luanda, Angola, on Saturday night.

The flight drama unfolded shortly after the chartered ValueJet aircraft refueled and took off from Luanda. According to reports, a loud crack appeared on the windscreen, forcing the pilots to perform an immediate U-turn and land safely back in the Angolan capital.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the incident and praised the professionalism of the crew.

“The aircraft suffered a cracked windscreen mid-air after take-off, and the pilot did well to guide the aeroplane safely back to the airport in Luanda,” the NFF stated.

However, the Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe has confirmed the arrival of the team on Sunday ahead of their game against Benin.

“Finally, Super Eagles arrive in Uyo, Akwa Ibom. The team touched down at 8.05am Sunday morning.” He said.

The NFF worked quickly with ValueJet and high-level government officials, including the Ministers of Aviation and Foreign Affairs, to arrange a replacement aircraft from Lagos.

Premier League stars Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Frank Onyeka, Tolu Arokodare, along with star striker Victor Osimhen and forward Ademola Lookman, were all on board.

Despite the ordeal, all players and officials are safe and are expected to resume training immediately ahead of Tuesday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin.