BREAKING: Cracked Aircraft Windscreen Delays Super Eagles’ Arrival in Uyo!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that the Super Eagles’ arrival in Uyo ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Benin Republic was delayed after the chartered aircraft suffered a cracked windscreen mid‑air. [1]

What Happened

• The flight, operated by ValueJet Airline, departed from Polokwane, South Africa, via a refueling stop in Luanda, Angola, when the windscreen cracked shortly after takeoff. [1]
• The pilot safely returned the aircraft to Luanda, averting further danger. [2]
• The same aircraft had previously transported part of the delegation to Polokwane and been used for earlier legs of the continental trips. [1]
• NFF is coordinating with ValueJet and federal authorities (including Aviation and Foreign Affairs ministries) to secure overflying and landing permits for a replacement plane. That new aircraft is expected to fly from Lagos to Luanda to pick up the team and bring them to Uyo. [1]

Implications & Reactions

• The delay comes at a critical moment as Nigeria must win to keep their World Cup hopes alive. [3]
• The incident raises questions about aviation safety standards in sports delegation travel.
• Fans and stakeholders are watching closely to see whether the team arrives in time and how this disruption will impact preparations.

Citations:

1. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/10/2026-fifa-wcq-aircrafts-cracked-windscreen-delays-super-eagles-arrival-in-uyo/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Blueprint: blueprint.ng/breaking-danger-averted-as-super-eagles-flight-diverts-to-angola-hours-before-world-cup-qualifier-clash-vs-benin-republic/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. Pulse Sports Nigeria: www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/nigeria-vs-benin-super-eagles-world-cup-dreams-in-jeopardy-as-cracked-windscreen-delays-arrival-in-uyo-2025101118532605984?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Managing Editor of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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