The Super Eagles of Nigeria are slated to tackle Benin Republic in their final clash of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers…
Super Eagles of Nigeria have finally landed safely in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, after enduring a frightening mid-air incident, Soccernet.ng reports.
On Saturday night, the Super Eagles team were forced to make an emergency landing in Luanda, Angola, on their chartered flight.
According to team media officer Promise Efoghe, the delegation touched down in Uyo at 8:05 a.m. on Sunday. This puts an end to a tense 24-hour journey that began in Polokwane, South Africa, where the team defeated Lesotho 2-1 in their World Cup qualifier on Friday.
“Finally, Super Eagles arrive in Uyo, Akwa Ibom. The team touched down at 8.05am Sunday morning.” he told reporters.
Super Eagles Experience Flight Drama
The flight drama unfolded when the ValueJet aircraft carrying the team developed a technical fault shortly after takeoff from Luanda, where it had stopped to refuel.
A loud crack reportedly appeared on the windscreen, forcing the pilots to perform an emergency U-turn and land safely back in the Angolan capital.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the incident, and commended the crew for their professionalism.
“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 said.
The federation also revealed that it worked with ValueJet Airline and federal government authorities, including the Ministers of Aviation and Foreign Affairs and the Chief of Staff to the President, to arrange a replacement aircraft from Lagos to pick up the players.
Osimhen & Five Premier League stars
Among those on board were several Premier League stars, including Fulham trio Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, and Samuel Chukwueze, along with Brentford’s Frank Onyeka, Wolves’ Tolu Arokodare, Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman.
Despite the scare, all players and officials arrived safely in Uyo and are expected to resume training immediately ahead of Tuesday’s make-or-break 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic.