The Nigeria national football team endured a mid-air scare on their return from South Africa after defeating Lesotho 2–1 in a 2026 World Cup qualifier. Their ValueJet charter plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Luanda, Angola, when a crack developed in the cockpit windscreen about 25 minutes after takeoff following a refuelling stop.
The pilot swiftly executed emergency procedures and returned the aircraft safely to Luanda. All on board — including stars such as Victor Osimhen and other Premier League players — were unharmed.
The Nigeria Football Federation commended the crew’s professionalism, calling it “a close call that could have been worse.” Players later resumed their journey to Uyo on a replacement flight to continue preparations for their next World Cup qualifier against Benin.
Supporters and clubs expressed relief and well wishes on social media after videos confirmed that no injuries were reported and the team had arrived home safely.