The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has decided to withdraw the Super Eagles from Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya, following a 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya.
The Nigerian team arrived on Sunday afternoon, en route to Benghazi for the crucial match, when their chartered flight was suddenly diverted to Al Abraq, a small airport mainly used for hajj operations.
This unexpected detour left the team stranded, with no assistance or transportation provided by the Libyan Football Federation.
In a statement released on Monday, the NFF expressed frustration over the situation, stating that the Super Eagles had been stuck at the airport for over 12 hours, unable to reach their hotel in Benghazi, which was a three-hour drive away.
The NFF highlighted the lack of support from their Libyan hosts and announced that the players had decided not to proceed with the match.
The federation said it is now making arrangements to bring the team back to Nigeria.
The statement reads, “The delegation of Nigeria to Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya still remained at the Al Abraq Airport 12 hours after landing in Libya.
“The chartered ValueJet aircraft was, strangely and in a dangerous manner, diverted to the small airport away from Benghazi just as the pilot was completing his approach to the Benghazi Airport.
“We understand the Al Abraq International Airport is only used for hajj operations. Fatigued players and officials have remained nonplussed as the host Libyan Football Federation failed to send any reception team or even vehicles to take the delegation members from the airport to their hotel, said to be 3 hours away in Benghazi.
“The NFF made arrangements for separate vehicles for the team, but the plan was unhinged by the diversion of the aircraft. Players have resolved not to play the match any longer as NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home.”
KanyiDaily recalls that Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong condemned the treatment by the Libyan authorities.
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