Flight scare for Super Eagles as aircraft develops mid-air fault, lands safely in Luanda

An aircraft conveying Nigeria's Super Eagles from Polokwane, South Africa, to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier made an emergency landing in Luanda, Angola, on Saturday afternoon.

The Value Jet-operated flight, which had initially stopped in Luanda to refuel, was forced to make a U-turn just 25 minutes after takeoff when a heavy crack appeared on the aircraft's windshield, disrupting what had started as a smooth journey.

All players, officials, and government delegates onboard disembarked safely after the unscheduled landing and are currently awaiting the airline operator's response to the situation.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to face the Cheetahs of Benin in Uyo in what is their final Group C World Cup qualifying fixture.

The Beninese side arrived in Uyo earlier on Saturday ahead of the high-stakes encounter.

Nigeria, currently third in Group C with 14 points, trail Benin (17 points) and South Africa (15 points).

The Super Eagles must secure a win by at least a two-goal margin and hope South Africa fail to defeat Rwanda to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Head coach Eric Chelle is expected to rally his squad and maintain focus amid the travel disruption, as the team aims to clinch a decisive victory that could secure Nigeria's ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Adeyemi Adewale

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com