The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has successfully facilitated the safe and timely return of Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, from Luanda, Angola, ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Benin Republic in Uyo.
The intervention followed a travel disruption caused by a cracked windscreen on the team’s aircraft during a refueling stop in Luanda. Acting on the directive of the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, the Nigerian Mission in Angola swiftly activated diplomatic channels to coordinate the release and deployment of a replacement aircraft.
Through effective coordination and high-level diplomatic engagement, the Mission secured critical overflight and landing permits from Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Angola, enabling the replacement aircraft to operate without delay.
Ministry sources confirmed that Ambassador Tuggar personally directed the Nigerian Mission to liaise closely with the Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Abdul Ningi, and the Chairman, National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, as well as regional aviation and diplomatic authorities, to expedite the team’s movement.
“Our priority was clear to ensure that our national team returned home safely and in time to prepare for their World Cup qualifier,” a senior official of the Ministry stated.
The swift diplomatic intervention has been widely commended as a testament to Nigeria’s proactive foreign service and its commitment to national interests beyond traditional diplomacy.
Meanwhile, Benin Republic’s national team has already arrived in Uyo, setting the stage for a highly anticipated encounter on Tuesday. With the Super Eagles now expected to arrive safely following the Ministry’s prompt action, attention has shifted back to the pitch, where Nigeria will aim to boost its qualification hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
