Nigeria’s Super Eagles had a terrifying scare on their return from South Africa after their flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Luanda, Angola.

The team was traveling from Polokwane to Uyo ahead of Tuesday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic when the ValueJet plane developed a cracked windscreen shortly after taking off from a refueling stop in Luanda.

Thanks to the pilot’s quick thinking, the aircraft safely returned to Luanda airport, preventing what could have been a catastrophic incident. All players and team officials on board were unharmed.

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that the same plane had previously transported members of the delegation to South Africa and had been used for other recent matches.

Authorities are now working urgently to arrange a replacement aircraft to pick up the team from Luanda and ensure their safe arrival in Uyo. The NFF said ValueJet, along with the Ministries of Aviation and Foreign Affairs and the Chief of Staff to the President, are coordinating to secure the necessary flight permits.

The federation thanked fans for their patience and support, assuring them that every effort is being made to get the team safely to Uyo ahead of the high-stakes match against Benin Republic.