A cracked windscreen on a chartered ValueJet aircraft has delayed the arrival of the Super Eagles in Uyo ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against the Benin Republic. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed this in a statement on Monday, explaining that the team’s flight from Polokwane, South Africa, was forced to make an emergency return to Luanda, Angola, after the aircraft developed the fault mid-air.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the same ValueJet aircraft had earlier flown part of the Super Eagles’ delegation to South Africa for the match against the Bafana Bafana, which ended in a 1-1 draw. However, while returning for the final leg of their qualification campaign, the aircraft encountered the cracked windscreen shortly after refueling in Luanda. The pilot reportedly handled the situation professionally, returning the plane safely to the Angolan airport.
Efforts are now underway to transport the team to Uyo in time for Tuesday’s encounter. Mediaplusng.com reports that ValueJet Airline, alongside key Nigerian government officials—including the Minister of Aviation, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Chief of Staff to the President—are working to secure overflying and landing permits for a replacement aircraft from Lagos.
The Super Eagles’ delayed arrival has sparked concerns among fans, given the high stakes of the upcoming qualifier. The team is expected to regroup quickly upon arrival in Uyo as they continue their push for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
