ValueJet Airlines has reassured the public of the safety of its operations following a mid-air technical incident involving the Super Eagles on their return flight from South Africa to Nigeria on Saturday night, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
In a statement released on Sunday, the airline confirmed that the team and officials arrived safely ahead of Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic.
According to ValueJet, the aircraft conveying the national team from Polokwane experienced “a minor technical issue about fifteen minutes into the flight.”
The airline explained that the pilot acted in line with standard safety procedures by returning to Luanda, Angola, as a precaution.
“ValueJet immediately activated its contingency plan by dispatching a replacement aircraft, ensuring the team and officials continued their journey safely and comfortably to Uyo,” the statement read.
As the official airline partner of the Super Eagles, ValueJet reaffirmed its commitment to the highest standards of safety and reliability, adding:
“ValueJet remains steadfast in its commitment to safety, reliability, and excellence. We are proud to stand with the team as they continue their quest for World Cup qualification against Benin Republic.”
The statement followed reports from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirming that the aircraft developed a technical fault shortly after a refuelling stop in Luanda. The flight, which departed Polokwane late on Saturday, was forced to return to Angola after a loud crack appeared on the windscreen, prompting an emergency U-turn.
Players and officials safely disembarked as ValueJet, the NFF, and Nigerian authorities coordinated flight clearance for a replacement aircraft.
After nearly 12 hours of delay, the Super Eagles finally arrived at the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo at 8:05 a.m. on Sunday, according to team media officer Promise Efoghe.
The team has since turned its focus to Tuesday’s decisive qualifier against Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, as they continue their push for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
