Those with knowledge about aviation please why is it that the flight from Lagos to Chicago does not follow a straight path?

the earth is spherical........ a straight line on a sphere isn't necessarily the shortest distance.

I feel they prefer not fly over water for that long distance Incase of any emergency they can easily spot an airport to land. In my own opinion. I'd love to know more from professionals.

Because earth is a sphere. The earth is slim at the poles and large at equator. So following the poles reduces your distance by alot. The only time you should follow the equator is if you are going to space, you fly eastward to gain extra momentum due to earth's rotation.

Fly as close to land as much as possible in case of an emergency...

Mammy water na your mate? Follow where land plenty oh incase passenger wan pee for one country u branch.

Very simple. The map as you know it is false. That straight line appears shorter but is actually longer than the flight path planes use now.

As the flight moves from Lagos through these countries it communicates with the various air traffic control to get weather reports and separation alerts so as to avoid collisions, also note that it gains ICAO clearance from every country it passes through

You no see the ocean? ABi you tink say people like Aquaman na just legend?

You cannot go straight to Chicago through the North Atlantic Ocean, the shortest route isn’t the best.

It's most likely a connecting-flight so the airline has to stop at a country where their hub is before continuing and this may take the first flight off the 'straight' line.