The Super Eagles of Nigeria have landed safely in Uyo, the Capital of Akwa Ibom State, from South Africa, as announced by the National Sports Commission (NSC).
The Commission made known, the ValueJet aircraft had to make an emergency return to Luanda, Angola after it had a “mid-air windscreen crack”.
The Super Eagles returned to the country following their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho which ended 2-1 in favour of Eric Chelle’s Nigeria in Polokwane, South Africa; the match took place on Friday 20 October, 2025.
The NSC statement titled ‘Safe Landing, Swift Response’ reads: “Following a mid-air windscreen crack that prompted an emergency return of the ValueJet plane to Luanda, Angola, after our vital win over Lesotho in Polokwane, South Africa, on 11.10.25, the Super Eagles have now arrived safely this morning, 12.10.25, in Uyo after swift coordination by all relevant parties and a replacement aircraft deployment.
“Chairman of the National Sports Commission, @ShehuDikko, who led the delegation to Polokwane, South Africa, extends his sincere appreciation to:
• Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, CFR, Chief of Staff to the President
• Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, Minister of Aviation & Aerospace Development
• Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, @YusufTuggar OON, Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs
• Mr. Mapeo Jonathan Cletus, Head of Chancery (HOC), Embassy of Nigeria, Luanda
• @flyvaluejet Airlines, for the competence, professionalism, and expertise
• The @thenff leadership and other senior members of the delegation
• The @NGSuperEagles players and coaching crew for their patience, cooperation, and professionalism, remaining focused and determined on the job at hand
• And to all Nigerians, whose unwavering support, messages, and prayers strengthened the team’s morale
“The National Sports Commission is grateful for the rapid, coordinated response that put player safety first and kept our World Cup campaign on track. Arrival confirmed in Uyo, Sunday, Oct 12, 2025.”
Nigeria will face Benin, who are toppers of Group C, in the last 2026 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday 14 October, 2025 at 17:00 (WAT).
