Cracked aircraft windscreen delays Super Eagles’ arrival in Uyo

A cracked windscreen on a chartered aircraft has delayed the Super Eagles’ arrival in Uyo ahead of Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Benin Republic.

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 refuelling stop in Luanda, Angola.

According to the NFF, the aircraft developed a cracked windscreen mid-air after take-off from Luanda.

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The pilot returned the plane safely to the airport in Luanda.

The aircraft had also used Luanda for refuelling 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)