Nigeria’s senior male football team, Super Eagles, have threatened not to take part in the 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya as they are still at Al Abraq Airport more than 12 hours after landing in the country.
In a statement on Monday, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) said the delegation of Nigeria to the game remained at the Al Abraq Airport.
Following Libya’s 1-0 loss to Nigeria in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday, both teams were expected to face off again in Benina, their fourth Group D match.
The Super Eagles had departed for Libya on Sunday afternoon, but according to reports from the camp of NFF, an hour to landing at Benghazi, their destination, the Nigerian aircraft was diverted to Al Abraq, a city which is more than two hours drive from Benghazi.
The unexpected diversion left players and officials stranded without any assistance from the Libyan Football Federation, which failed to provide transportation.
In the Monday statement, titled, ‘Super Eagles still at Al Abraq Airport 12 hours after landing in Libya!’, the NFF detailed the situation.
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.”
(Daily Trust)
