A replacement aircraft has been dispatched by ValueJet Airlines to Luanda, Angola, to convey the Super Eagles back to Nigeria following a mid-air emergency that forced their original flight to make an unscheduled landing.

The team, which was returning from South Africa after defeating Lesotho 2–1 in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, had its journey interrupted when the ValueJet charter aircraft developed a cracked windscreen shortly after take-off from Luanda during a refuelling stop.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that the pilot managed to return the plane safely to the Luanda airport, preventing what could have been a more serious incident.

In a statement issued by the Federation, it said: “The cracked windscreen of the chartered ValueJet Airline aircraft conveying the Super Eagles’ delegation from Polokwane in South Africa to Uyo has delayed the arrival of the players and officials in the Akwa Ibom State capital.”

The NFF noted that ValueJet, in coordination with the Ministries of Aviation and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, was working to secure the required flight and landing permits for the replacement aircraft to pick up the contingent.

The Federation further disclosed that the same aircraft had earlier transported some members of the delegation to Polokwane and had been used on previous trips to and from South Africa for recent World Cup qualifying fixtures.

Super Eagles Media Officer, Promise Eforge, confirmed on Saturday night that all team members were safe. “We are all fine and all is well with the team,” he said.

Officials expect the team to arrive in Nigeria in the early hours of Sunday, once the replacement aircraft completes necessary clearance procedures.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to face the Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday in their next World Cup qualifying fixture.