The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has pulled the Super Eagles out of Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya, following a frustrating 12-hour nightmare at Al Abraq International Airport.
The Nigerian contingent had departed Uyo on Sunday morning for Libya, but an hour to landing at Benghazi, their destination as scheduled, the Nigerian aircraft was diverted to Al Abraq, a city which is more than two hours drive from Benghazi. The team has been at the airport since then.
This comes after Libya’s 1-0 loss to the Eagles in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday.
Here is NFF statement:
Super Eagles still at Al Abraq Airport 12 hours after landing in Libya!
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.
Nigeria leads Group D with seven points after after three matches, followed by Benin Republic with six points and Rwanda with two.
Libya is currently at the bottom of Group D with one point.
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
