Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) don decide to pull Super Eagles out of Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya after one frustrating 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya.
The Nigerian team land for the match on Sunday afternoon, but their chartered ValueJet aircraft was diverted mid-flight to Al Abraq Airport, a small airport wey dey use for hajj operations. This diversion happen just as the pilot dey complete his approach to Benghazi Airport, and it leave players and officials stranded without any assistance from the Libyan Football Federation.
According to NFF statement, the team remain at the airport for over 12 hours, no way to reach their hotel in Benghazi, which be three hours away. The players and officials no get food, drink, or phone connections, and dem dey kept in an abandoned airport.
Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, condemn the treatment by the Libyan authorities. He describe the situation as ‘disgraceful’ and accuse the hosts of playing ‘mind games’. He also talk about the difficulties faced by the Tunisian pilot, who manage the unexpected change in destination but was refused accommodation for his crew under government orders.
The NFF support the players’ decision not to play the match and dey arrange for the team to fly back to Nigeria. This decision come after the fatigued and frustrated players resolve not to continue with the match.
