Nigeria’s national football team, Super Eagles, remains stranded at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya, a full 12 hours after landing, ahead of their crucial 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya on Tuesday.
The Super Eagles, who traveled on a chartered ValueJet aircraft, were unexpectedly diverted to the small Al Abraq Airport, used primarily for Hajj operations, just as they were about to land at Benghazi Airport. This unplanned diversion has caused significant delays and left the players and officials fatigued and frustrated.
Director of Communications at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ademola Olajire, expressed concern over the situation, calling it “strange and dangerous.” He revealed that the Super Eagles team is still awaiting assistance from the host nation. “There was no reception from the Libyan Football Federation, no vehicles to transport the team, and their hotel is reportedly three hours away from the airport,” Olajire said in a statement early Monday morning.
The NFF had made prior arrangements for transportation, but the sudden change in the flight’s destination derailed those plans, leaving the delegation stranded at the airport without any support from the host country.
Tired and disoriented, the Super Eagles players have reportedly resolved not to play the match, as their situation remains unresolved. NFF officials are now scrambling to make alternative arrangements, including possibly flying the team back to Nigeria.
The unexpected scenario has cast serious doubt on whether Tuesday’s match will proceed as planned, with Nigeria’s qualification hopes for the 2025 AFCON hanging in the balance.
