The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that it is making arrangements to fly the Super Eagles back to Nigeria after they were stranded for more than 12 hours at Al Abraq Airport in Libya ahead of their scheduled 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.
In an official statement on Monday morning, the NFF revealed that the Super Eagles’ chartered ValueJet flight was unexpectedly diverted to Al Abraq Airport, which is primarily used for hajj operations, instead of Benghazi, their original destination. The diversion left the Nigerian delegation stranded with no proper arrangements for transportation or accommodation.
“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,” the NFF said in the statement.
The NFF further expressed concern over the lack of reception or assistance from the Libyan Football Federation, which left the team exhausted and frustrated.
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“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 statement read.
The situation worsened as no hotels near the airport were willing to accommodate the Nigerian contingent, reportedly acting on instructions. “The NFF was ready to book hotel rooms for players and officials close to the said airport, but we were told by all hotels approached that they have been instructed not to welcome Nigerians. Our aircraft crew went searching for hotel rooms but were told the same thing,” the NFF added.
As a result of the dire conditions, the Super Eagles players have refused to continue with the match, and the NFF is now working to fly the team back to Nigeria.
“Players have resolved not to play the match any longer as NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home,” the statement added.
Team captain William Troost-Ekong had earlier voiced the team’s frustrations in a statement, describing the situation as “disgraceful.” He revealed that the team had been stranded at the airport for over 12 hours without access to food, water, or even phone connections.
“12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Libya after our plane was diverted whilst descending. The Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason. They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without phone connection, food, or drink. All to play mind games,” Troost-Ekong said.
He also shared details of the pilot’s struggle to find nearby accommodations, only to be denied access at local hotels under government instruction. “Upon arrival, he tried to find a nearby airport to rest with his crew, but was denied at every hotel again under Government instruction. He could sleep there, but NO NIGERIAN crew members allowed.”
Given the growing safety concerns, Troost-Ekong and the team decided not to play the match. “As the captain, together with the team, we have decided that we will NOT play this game… Even if they decide to allow this kind of behaviour, let them have the points.”
The Super Eagles were set to play the second leg of their AFCON qualifier after securing a 1-0 victory over Libya in the first leg at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. However, the team’s decision to withdraw from the match may lead to disciplinary actions from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
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