Luanda, Angola – October 12, 2025 — The Super Eagles of Nigeria narrowly escaped a mid-air scare on Saturday when their chartered flight made an emergency return to Luanda International Airport in Angola after a crack appeared on the cockpit windscreen.
The team was returning home after a 1–0 win over Lesotho in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. The ValueJet Airlines flight took off around 7:30 a.m. local time, heading to Uyo for their next match against Benin Republic.
About 25 minutes into the journey, the pilots noticed a crack on the windscreen that affected visibility. They immediately decided to return to Luanda. The plane landed safely, and no injuries were reported.
Onboard were several Premier League players including Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey, as well as NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, and Senator Abdul Ningi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) praised the players and officials for staying calm during the emergency.
A swift government response followed. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo arranged a replacement aircraft, while Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar coordinated help from the Nigerian Embassy in Luanda. Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila briefed President Bola Tinubu on the situation.
The replacement flight departed Luanda early Sunday and landed safely in Uyo at 8:05 a.m., allowing the team to resume training without delay.
The NSC commended ValueJet for its quick action and professionalism.
“This incident shows the unity and resilience that sports bring to our nation,” the commission said in a statement.
Fans flooded social media with relief and gratitude as hashtags #SuperEagles and #EaglesSafe trended across Nigeria.
The Super Eagles, currently third in Group C, will face Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on October 14, keeping their focus on World Cup qualification.
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