The aircraft transporting Nigeria’s Super Eagles from South Africa to Uyo for their final World Cup qualifier against the Benin Republic was forced to make an emergency landing in Luanda, Angola, on Saturday after developing a technical fault mid-air.
The ValueJet aircraft, which had initially landed in Luanda for refuelling, reportedly turned back about 25 minutes after takeoff when a loud cracking sound was heard, revealing a fracture on the aircraft’s windshield. The pilot immediately initiated emergency landing procedures to ensure the safety of everyone on board.
The same aircraft had earlier transported some members of the delegation to Polokwane on Thursday night, arriving in South Africa on Friday morning. According to reports, all players, team officials, and government delegates were safely evacuated after the unscheduled landing.
Confirming the incident, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) explained that the cracked windscreen was responsible for the emergency diversion.
“However, after a routine refuelling stop in Luanda, Angola (where the plane also stopped to refuel on Thursday night, and where the same plane had stopped to refuel to and from Bloemfontein in South Africa for the Matchday 8 encounter between the Super Eagles and the Bafana Bafana last month).”
“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 football body further revealed that arrangements were underway to ensure the team’s prompt arrival in Uyo.
“ValueJet Airline and the relevant Federal Government of Nigeria authorities, including the Hon. Minister of Aviation, the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Chief of Staff to Mr President, are working assiduously to get the necessary overflying and landing permits for another aircraft to fly from Lagos, pick the delegation in Luanda and fly them to Uyo,” the statement added.
What you should know
Nigeria’s Super Eagles narrowly avoided disaster after their ValueJet aircraft developed a cracked windscreen mid-flight, forcing an emergency landing in Angola.
All passengers were safe, and the NFF confirmed that a replacement aircraft would transport the team to Uyo for their World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic.
