The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has announced the withdrawal of the Super Eagles from their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, qualifier against Libya, citing a severe ordeal faced by the team at Al Abraq International Airport.
The Nigerian delegation, which arrived in Libya on Sunday for Tuesday’s crucial fixture, was stranded at the small, remote airport for over 12 hours. Their chartered flight, initially en route to Benghazi, was abruptly diverted to Al Abraq—a location typically reserved for hajj flights—without prior warning.
The NFF, in a statement released on Monday, decried the distressing situation. NFF disclosed that the Libyan Football Federation failed to provide any form of assistance, leaving the team stuck at the airport with no transportation to their hotel, which is located three hours away.
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong expressed his frustration on social media, condemning the Libyan authorities for what he called “disgraceful” and “mind games” tactics. He said the players were left without food, water, or phone connections in the abandoned airport.
“12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Libya after our plane was diverted whilst descending. The Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi without reason. They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without a phone connection, food, or drink,” Troost-Ekong tweeted.
Troost-Ekong also highlighted the challenges faced by the crew of the flight, particularly the Tunisian pilot who managed the dangerous diversion. Despite his efforts, the pilot and his crew were denied accommodation under Libyan government orders, forcing them to rest at the airport, while Nigerian crew members were left to sleep on the plane.
Following the exhausting ordeal and the lack of response from Libyan authorities, the Super Eagles players made the decision not to play the match. The NFF supported the players’ decision and has since been working on plans to fly the team back to Nigeria.
The Confederation of African Football is yet to issue an official response to the incident. This comes after Nigeria’s 1-0 victory in the first leg of the AFCON qualifier, played in Uyo on Friday.
Credible News.ng
