ValueJet Airlines has assured the public of the safety of its operations following a mid-air technical scare involving the Super Eagles on their flight to Nigeria from South Africa on Saturday night.

The airline confirmed in a statement on Sunday that the team and officials arrived safely ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic on Tuesday.

According to ValueJet, the aircraft conveying the team from Polokwane developed “a minor technical issue about fifteen minutes into the journey.”

The airline said the pilot followed standard safety procedures by returning to Luanda, Angola, as a precautionary measure.

ValueJet explained that its contingency plan was immediately activated, with a replacement aircraft dispatched to continue the journey.

“ValueJet immediately activated its contingency plan by dispatching a replacement aircraft, ensuring the team and officials continued their journey safely and comfortably to Uyo,” the company said.

The airline, which serves as the official flight partner of the Super Eagles, reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and reliability.

“As the strategic airline partner of the Super Eagles, ValueJet remains steadfast in its commitment to safety, reliability, and excellence. We are proud to stand with the team as they continue their quest for World Cup qualification against Benin Republic,” the statement added.

The confirmation came hours after the Nigeria Football Federation reported that the ValueJet aircraft had developed a technical fault shortly after take-off from Luanda during a refuelling stop. The flight, which departed Polokwane late on Saturday, was forced to return to Angola after a loud crack appeared on the windscreen, prompting the pilot to make an emergency U-turn.

Team officials and players were later seen disembarking safely, as the federation and ValueJet worked with Nigerian government authorities to secure the necessary flight permits for a replacement aircraft.

After nearly 12 hours of delay, the Super Eagles finally landed at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, at 8:05 am on Sunday, according to team media officer Promise Efoghe.

The team will now shift focus to their crucial qualifier against Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, where they aim to strengthen their campaign for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.