Nigeria’s Super Eagles national team endured an emergency landing in Angola after a crack was discovered in their aircraft’s window mid-flight from South Africa, a incident described by an official as “a close call,” just as the team prepares for a crucial World Cup qualifier.
A ValueJet aircraft conveying Nigeria’s Super Eagles from South Africa made an emergency landing in Angola on Saturday after a crack was detected in one of the plane’s windows.
A top Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) official confirmed the incident, describing it as “a close call that could have been worse.” The flight was en route to Uyo, Akwa Ibom, where the team is scheduled to play a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier, before the pilot diverted upon detecting the fault.
The tense journey comes amid an intense Group C qualification battle. Benin Republic lead with 17 points, followed by South Africa on 15 and Nigeria on 14.
On Friday, South Africa were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe, while Nigeria defeated Lesotho 2–1 through goals from William Troost-Ekong and Akor Adams. Benin strengthened their position with a 1–0 win over Rwanda.