The plane carrying the Nigerian Super Eagles football team to Uyo for their World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic made an emergency landing in Luanda, Angola, on Saturday after developing a technical fault mid-air.
The ValueJet aircraft, which had stopped in Luanda to refuel, turned back about 25 minutes after takeoff when a loud crack appeared on the aircraft’s windshield.
The same aircraft had flown some members of the delegation to Polokwane on Thursday night, arriving in the South African city on Friday morning.
All players, officials, and government delegates on board were safely evacuated upon landing.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the incident, stating that a cracked windscreen was responsible for the emergency landing.
The NFF said plans were being made for another aircraft to fly from Lagos and pick up the delegation in Luanda.
“ValueJet Airline and the relevant Federal Government of Nigeria authorities 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 NFF said.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of the team’s transportation.
However, the NFF and the aviation authorities are working together to ensure the team’s safe 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, ”NFF said.
