A chartered flight transporting the Super Eagles delegation from Polokwane, South Africa, to Uyo, Nigeria, was forced to make an emergency landing in Luanda, Angola, after the pilot discovered a cracked windscreen in the cockpit. The incident occurred shortly after take-off from Luanda, where the ValueJet Airline aircraft had made a routine stop for refuelling. Fortunately, the pilot demonstrated exceptional skill, guiding the aircraft back to the Luanda airport safely, ensuring no visible threat to the lives of those on board.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), through its Director of Communication, Dr. Ademola Olajire, confirmed the incident on Saturday night. The flight was carrying the Super Eagles, who had recently secured a 2-1 victory against Lesotho in a World Cup qualifier, en route to Uyo for their upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Benin Republic. This mid-air scare has consequently delayed the team's arrival in Akwa Ibom State capital, disrupting their preparations for the crucial Tuesday fixture.

The NFF stated that the same aircraft had previously transported some members of the delegation to Polokwane. After the emergency landing, ValueJet Airline, in collaboration with relevant authorities in the Federal Government of Nigeria, including the Hon. Minister of Aviation, the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Chief of Staff to Mr. President, swiftly initiated efforts to secure overflying and landing permits for an alternative aircraft. This new flight is scheduled to depart from Lagos, pick up the stranded delegation in Luanda, and then transport them directly to Uyo.

Among the notable individuals on board the flight were several dignitaries and key players. Dignitaries included Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission; Abdul Ningi, the Senate Chairman on Sports; and Ibrahim Gusau, President of the Nigeria Football Federation. The team comprised prominent players such as Premier League stars Calvin Bassey (Fulham) and Frank Onyeka (Brentford), as well as Galatasaray's Victor Osimhen and Atalanta's Ademola Lookman.

The Super Eagles, currently in third place in their World Cup qualifying group, are three points behind leaders Benin. The upcoming match against Benin is deemed a must-win to significantly boost their chances of qualifying for the next World Cup, which will be staged in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This qualification is particularly vital for Nigeria, as they are determined to avoid a repeat of missing the 2022 tournament in Qatar, which marked their first absence from a World Cup since 2006. Despite the worrying scare, the team is now hoping to quickly shift their focus to securing victory in Uyo.