The Super Eagles have finally arrived in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, after a tense 24-hour travel delay caused by a mid-air emergency involving their chartered ValueJet aircraft.
The team touched down safely at 8:05 a.m. (Nigerian time) on Sunday morning, ending hours of uncertainty after their initial flight from Polokwane, South Africa, to Uyo was forced to make an emergency landing in Luanda, Angola, following a crack in the aircraft’s windscreen shortly after takeoff.
According to Super Eagles Media Officer, Promise Efoghe, all players and officials are safe and in good spirits despite the ordeal.
“We are all fine and all is well with the team,” Efoghe confirmed. “We’re happy to be back home and can now fully focus on Tuesday’s match against Benin Republic.”
Source confirmed that ValueJet Airlines swiftly dispatched a replacement aircraft from Lagos to Luanda after coordinating with relevant federal authorities — including the Ministry of Aviation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) — to ensure safe and timely passage for the delegation.
The team is expected to head straight to their base camp in Uyo, where they will rest and resume full training today.
Meanwhile, reports from within the camp indicate that the players remain focused and determined to bounce back from recent setbacks and secure a crucial victory against Benin Republic in Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Despite the disruption, the spirit in camp is said to be high, with team officials commending the players for their composure throughout the ordeal.