Super Eagles Arrive Safely In Uyo After Mid-Air Scare Forces Emergency Landing

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have landed safely in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, after a tense delay caused by a mid-air technical fault on their flight from South Africa.

The team, set to face Benin Republic in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, arrived at the Victor Attah International Airport around 8:05 a.m. on Sunday, according to team media officer Promise Efoghe.

“Finally, Super Eagles arrive in Uyo, Akwa Ibom. The team touched down at 8:05 a.m. Sunday morning,” Efoghe announced in a statement.

A video later shared by the team’s media department captured the players and officials disembarking from the ValueJet aircraft, marking the end of a stressful journey that began in Polokwane, South Africa.

The flight, which had made a refuelling stop in Luanda, Angola, took an alarming turn about 25 minutes after takeoff when a loud crack appeared on the windscreen, forcing the pilot to make an emergency return to Luanda.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the incident, stating that the cracked windscreen made it unsafe to continue the journey. All players, officials, and accompanying delegates were safely evacuated.

Following the emergency landing, ValueJet Airline collaborated with key Nigerian government officials — including the Ministers of Aviation and Foreign Affairs and the Chief of Staff to the President — to secure urgent permits for a replacement aircraft from Lagos.

“The ValueJet Airline and the relevant Federal Government of Nigeria authorities worked tirelessly to secure overflying and landing permits for another aircraft to fly from Lagos, pick up the delegation in Luanda, and convey them to Uyo,” the NFF explained.

After several hours of waiting, the replacement aircraft finally transported the team to Uyo on Sunday morning, ending an anxious travel ordeal that lasted nearly 12 hours.

With the scare behind them, the Super Eagles will now focus on Tuesday’s all-important World Cup qualifier against the Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

The Super Eagles have touched down in Uyo ✈️🦅
Focus now shifts to the crucial World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic. 💪🇳🇬

🎥 FB/FearGodSports pic.twitter.com/K8KESBHVkM

— Pulse Sports Nigeria (@PulseSportsNG) October 12, 2025