Nigeria’s Ambassador to Angola, under the directive of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has successfully facilitated the safe return of the Super Eagles to Uyo ahead of their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic.
The team’s aircraft had been grounded in Luanda, Angola, due to a cracked windscreen during a refueling stop.
According to a statement on Sunday by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Nigerian Mission in Luanda sprang into action, activating diplomatic channels to secure overflight and landing permits across five countries: Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Angola. This swift intervention ensured the team departed Luanda without further delay.
The Super Eagles finally touched down at the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo at 8:05 a.m. on Sunday, ready to face Benin Republic on Tuesday. The team had a harrowing experience on Saturday when their flight from Polokwane, South Africa, was forced to return to Luanda due to the technical issue.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs worked tirelessly to resolve the situation, demonstrating proactive diplomacy in service of national interest.
With the team now safely back in Uyo, attention shifts to the pitch, where the Super Eagles will aim to maintain their qualification hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.