The Super Eagles of Nigeria have escaped a fatal plane accident on their trip to Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom State, ahead of Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic.
The chartered aircraft was taking off when its windscreen cracked in flight.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) disclosed this in a statement through Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Director of Communications on Saturday made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
The ValueJet aircraft was transporting the team from Polokwane, South Africa, to Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
The same aircraft had flown part of the delegation to Polokwane on Thursday night, arriving on Friday morning.
The incident occurred after a refueling stop in Luanda, Angola.
According to the NFF, the aircraft developed a cracked windscreen mid-air after take-off from Luanda.
The pilot returned the plane safely to the airport in Luanda.
The aircraft had also used Luanda for refueling during previous trips to and from Bloemfontein for the Matchday 8 tie against South Africa.
The NFF said officials are working to resolve the situation.
Authorities involved include the Minister of Aviation, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Chief of Staff to the President.
Efforts are ongoing to secure flight clearance for another aircraft to convey the team from Luanda to Uyo.
NAN
