Cracked screen: Aircraft conveying Super Eagles make emergency landing

A top official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) who was among the team’s contingent confirmed the incident to News360, 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 national team was expected to play a crucial World Cup qualifying match.

However, the pilot reportedly detected the fault midair and diverted to Angola for an emergency landing to ensure the safety of everyone on board.

The Super Eagles are currently in a tight race for qualification from Group C of the FIFA World Cup African qualifiers after Friday’s round of matches left Benin Republic, South Africa, and Nigeria all still in contention.

With one matchday left, Benin Republic lead the group with 17 points, followed by South Africa with 15 points and Nigeria with 14 points.

In Durban, South Africa’s Bafana Bafana were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe, delaying their qualification hopes.

Coach Hugo Broos’ side must now defeat Rwanda in their final fixture to stay in contention.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a vital 2–1 win over Lesotho in Polokwane, with captain William Troost-Ekong scoring from the penalty spot and Akor Adams adding a second goal to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

Benin Republic maintained their lead with a late 1–0 victory against Rwanda, courtesy of Tosin Aiyegun’s strike, leaving the group’s final matches on Tuesday as the ultimate decider for who qualifies automatically for the 2026 World Cup.