There was a brief panic on Saturday after a ValueJet aircraft conveying Nigeria’s Super Eagles from South Africa made an emergency landing in Angola following the discovery of a crack in one of the plane’s windows.
A top official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), who was among the team’s contingent, confirmed the development, describing it as “a close call that could have been worse.”
The aircraft, which had departed South Africa en route to Uyo, Akwa Ibom, where the national team is scheduled to play a crucial World Cup qualifier, was forced to divert after the pilot detected the fault midair.
The team and crew were safely evacuated, with alternative travel arrangements being finalized to ensure the Super Eagles’ timely arrival for the decisive fixture.
Meanwhile, the race for qualification from Group C of the FIFA World Cup African qualifiers is set to go down to the wire after another dramatic round of matches on Friday left Benin Republic, South Africa, and Nigeria all still in contention.
With just one matchday remaining, Benin Republic lead the group with 17 points, followed closely by South Africa on 15 and Nigeria on 14. The decisive fixtures on Tuesday will determine which nation secures the group’s sole automatic ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
In Durban, South Africa’s Bafana Bafana were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe, missing the chance to seal early qualification. Hugo Broos’ men must now defeat Rwanda in their final outing to stay in the hunt.
In Polokwane, Nigeria’s Super Eagles kept their World Cup hopes alive with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Lesotho. Captain William Troost-Ekong converted from the spot before Akor Adams doubled the lead, ensuring all three points for Finidi George’s side.
Elsewhere, Benin Republic consolidated their lead with a 1–0 win over Rwanda, courtesy of a late strike from Tosin Aiyegun — a result that sets up a thrilling finale in Group C.
