Nigeria’s Super Eagles are on their way back home after spending 16 hours stranded at Al Abraq Airport, Libya.
The Nigerian team was en route to Benghazi for their matchday four Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier but faced an unexpected delay when they were held without clearance by Libyan authorities for over 13 hours.
The Super Eagles arrived in Libya on Sunday evening, only to be kept at the makeshift airport without proper accommodation or transportation. Frustrated by the situation, the Nigerian team considered boycotting the crucial AFCON qualifier. However, it has now been confirmed that the delegation is returning to Nigeria after securing aviation fuel for their chartered ValueJet flight.
A source close to the Nigerian team revealed that the players and officials have boarded the flight, which will make its first stop at Kano Airport before continuing to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The final destination will be Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, later on Monday.
The return was facilitated by the Nigerian mission in Libya, ensuring the safe departure of the team. Earlier on Monday, Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface shared an image of an old bus provided by the Libyan Football Federation, intended to transport the team to Benghazi. Boniface humorously dubbed the vehicle the “Iskaba bus,” expressing his disbelief at the dilapidated condition of the shuttle after such a long delay.
“See Iskaba bus wey them bring come yesterday. Nobody enter ooo,” Boniface posted, sharing the frustrating experience with his followers. He added, “See this dragon carry bus come after 16 hours. Come dey video.”
The ordeal comes after the Super Eagles secured a 1-0 victory over Libya in the first leg of the AFCON qualifiers, played in Uyo. Despite the unsportsmanlike actions of the Libyan authorities, the Nigerian team remained composed, but the situation has sparked outrage among fans and officials alike.
As the team heads back home, the Nigerian Football Federation is expected to address the unfortunate incident, with many questioning the host nation’s conduct.
