The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has issued a strongly worded statement concerning the Super Eagles' distressing experience at Al Abraq Airport in Libya, following a prolonged delay that left the team stranded for more than 12 hours. This situation has arisen just days ahead of their crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya, which has now been overshadowed by logistical difficulties and apparent neglect from the Libyan authorities.
According to the NFF, the Super Eagles were scheduled to arrive in Benghazi in preparation for the match, but their chartered flight was unexpectedly diverted to a lesser-known, smaller airport, Al Abraq International Airport, commonly used for Hajj operations, rather than the main Benghazi Airport. This diversion caused significant delays, leaving the team stranded at the airport all night without basic provisions, including food, water, or even appropriate rest facilities.
In a public statement, the NFF expressed its disappointment and concern over the treatment of the team, noting that despite making alternative transport arrangements, the unexpected diversion of the aircraft rendered their efforts ineffective, as no vehicles or representatives from the Libyan Football Federation were available to facilitate the team's transport to their hotel in Benghazi, which is reportedly a three-hour drive from the airport.
NFF’s Full Statement on Super Eagles’ Ordeal at Libyan Airport
“The Super Eagles have been left stranded at Al Abraq Airport for over 12 hours following their arrival in Libya, in what has been a trying and distressing ordeal for the national team ahead of the crucial AFCON 2025 qualifier against Libya.
Upon approach to Benghazi, the chartered ValueJet aircraft carrying the delegation of Nigeria was mysteriously diverted to the smaller Al Abraq Airport, a facility that is typically used for hajj operations and is not equipped to handle international sports teams. This diversion, which occurred just as the pilot was completing his approach to Benghazi, placed the team in a precarious and unsafe situation.
After landing, the Super Eagles have remained at the airport for over 12 hours, with no reception team or vehicles from the Libyan Football Federation to take them to their hotel, which is located three hours away. The players and officials have been left fatigued, frustrated, and without proper provisions. Despite NFF's efforts to arrange transportation, the unexpected diversion unhinged all plans.
Due to the prolonged delay and the mistreatment they have faced, the Super Eagles have expressed their intention to no longer participate in the scheduled match. In light of this, the NFF is now working to arrange the team’s return to Nigeria as soon as possible, prioritizing the safety and well-being of the players and staff.”
This incident has sparked widespread criticism and calls for better logistical planning and coordination for future AFCON qualifiers. Fans, pundits, and fellow footballers have expressed their dismay at the Super Eagles’ treatment, calling on CAF to intervene and ensure that African teams are provided with the necessary support during international fixtures.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen whether CAF will address the Super Eagles’ plight and whether the match will be rescheduled. In the meantime, Nigerian football fans have rallied behind their national team, condemning the logistical failings that have put the team in this unfortunate situation.
The NFF has confirmed that they will continue to provide updates as the situation progresses, but for now, their primary focus remains on ensuring the safe return of the Super Eagles to Nigeria.”
This distressing experience has also reignited concerns about the organization and infrastructure of African football, with calls for both national football associations and CAF to ensure that such logistical issues are avoided in the future.