The Super Eagles of Nigeria have been left stranded at Abraq International Airport in Libya.
The team is scheduled to play the second leg of the AFCON 2025 Qualifier game against the Mediterranean Knights, on Tuesday.
This comes after Libya’s 1-0 loss to the Eagles in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday.
The Nigerian contingent had departed Uyo on Sunday morning for Libya as both teams are expected to face off again in Benina for their fourth Group D match.
According to the report from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) camp, 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.
NFF had secured approval for the team’s chartered plane to land in Benghazi, which is a short distance from the Benina Stadium.
Videos released by the NFF on Sunday night showed Nigerian players and officials trying to resolve the issue at a Libyan airport.
NFF had already arranged for transport in Benghazi, no buses were provided by the Libyan Football Association at Abraq to transport the team to their destination. According to reports, NFF’s effort to make alternative transport plan was being frustrated by their host.
The airport gate was said to have been locked to prevent the bus from entering.
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.
