Nigeria's players gather in a huddle after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Africa qualifiers group C match between Lesotho and Nigeria at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on October 10, 2025. Photo: AFP
The aircraft took off from Polokwane in South Africa and made a scheduled refuelling stop in the Angolan capital Luanda before heading for southern Nigeria.
But 25 minutes into that journey, the pilot was forced to return to Luanda "after a heavy crack on the aircraft's wind shield distorted what had started as a smooth flight", the Super Eagles' representative said.
The players, officials and government delegates onboard left the aircraft and were waiting for a new plane.
Nigeria host Benin on Tuesday in a must-win game as they attempt to clinch qualification for next year's World Cup finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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