The Nigerian national team have returned home safely after their aircraft suffered a serious incident during a flight from South Africa, forcing a emergency landing and delaying their arrival ahead of a crucial World Cup qualifier.
The squad was travelling back from Polokwane, where they had secured a 2-1 victory over Lesotho in a qualifying match on Friday, when the plane’s windscreen developed a significant crack mid-flight. The aircraft, which was chartered by the Nigerian government to transport the team from Angola, was forced to divert and make a unscheduled landing.
Among the players on board was star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, along with midfielders Samuel Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the incident in a official statement, acknowledging the significant delays it caused but expressing relief that all personal had returned safely.
“The team experienced a in-flight incident on their return journey, which necessitated a diversion,” the NFF statement read. “We are thankful to God that all players and staff are safe and have now arrived in Uyo to continue their preparations.”
The disruption comes at a critical moment for the Super Eagles, who are due to face Benin in a vital World Cup qualifier on Tuesday. The match is seen as essential for Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for their seventh FIFA World Cup appearance.
Team officials confirmed that training schedules had to be adjusted due to the delayed arrival, but insisted the players remain focused on the task ahead. “The welfare of our players is always our priority,” a team spokesman said. “We have provided the necessary support to ensure they are mentally and physically prepared for Tuesday’s match.”
The incident marks the latest in a series of travel challenges for international football teams, raising further questions about the logistics and safety protocols for squad transportation during qualifying campaigns. For now though, Nigerian fans will be relieved their star players have landed safely as the Super Eagles continue their quest for World Cup qualification.
