2026 W'Cup: Super Eagles in Scare as Flight Makes Emergency Landing

Nigeria’s World Cup campaign took a dramatic turn off the pitch on Saturday when a ValueJet aircraft conveying the Super Eagles from South Africa was forced to make an emergency landing in Angola after a crack was detected on one of the cabin windows.

A senior official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), travelling with the team, confirmed the incident, describing it as "a close call that could have been worse." 

The aircraft had departed South Africa en route to Uyo, Akwa Ibom, where the Eagles are scheduled to play their decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.

According to the source, the pilot diverted to Angola after discovering the fault midair, prioritising safety. 

All players and officials disembarked safely, but the episode caused brief panic among the travelling contingent.

The incident comes at a tense moment in Nigeria’s qualifying campaign, with Group C heading for a nail-biting finish.

On Friday, all three contenders, Benin Republic, South Africa, and Nigeria, remained firmly in the hunt for the group’s sole automatic World Cup ticket.

Benin Republic lead the table with 17 points, South Africa follow on 15 points, Nigeria sit just behind with 14 points.

In Durban, South Africa’s Bafana Bafana were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Zimbabwe, missing the chance to seal qualification early. Hugo Broos’ men must now defeat Rwanda in their final fixture to keep their hopes alive.

Over in Polokwane, Nigeria stayed in contention with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Lesotho. Captain William Troost-Ekong opened the scoring from the penalty spot, while Akor Adams added a second to secure vital points for the Super Eagles.

Meanwhile, Benin Republic tightened their grip on top spot with a late 1–0 win over Rwanda, courtesy of Tosin Aiyegun’s decisive goal.

The final round of fixtures will decide everything. Nigeria are expected to arrive in Uyo once alternative travel arrangements are finalised, with preparations continuing despite Saturday’s unsettling travel scare.

As it stands, Group C remains wide open, and while the battle on the field intensifies, the Super Eagles will be hoping their journey to the World Cup continues safely, both in the air and on the pitch.