Nigerian Team Faces Airport Chaos Ahead of Crucial AFCON Qualifier Against Libya
Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface has expressed his frustration after the Nigerian national team was left stranded at Al Abraq Airport in Libya for nearly 13 hours, just days before their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Libyan national team.
The Nigerian squad, led by coach Austin Eguavoen, was aboard a chartered ValueJet aircraft that was unexpectedly diverted to the small Al Abraq Airport, away from their intended destination in Benghazi. The diversion occurred late Sunday night, just as the plane was approaching Benghazi Airport. The sudden change in route left the Super Eagles stuck without any reception or transportation to their hotel in Benghazi, which is reportedly three hours away.
The Libyan Football Federation did not send a welcoming team or vehicles for the Nigerian delegation, forcing the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to scramble to make alternative arrangements. However, those plans were disrupted by the last-minute diversion.
Taking to social media on Monday, Boniface voiced his displeasure with the situation. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Bayer Leverkusen forward wrote, “Been at the airport for almost 13 hours no food no wifi no where to sleep. African we can do better @caf.”
The Super Eagles are scheduled to face Libya on Tuesday, following their narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg of the AFCON qualifier last Friday. The airport ordeal adds a layer of challenge for the Nigerian team as they prepare for the crucial match.
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