Nigerian Team Stranded Without Support as NFF Condemns Libyan Authorities’ Actions
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially withdrawn the Super Eagles from Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya after the team endured a harrowing 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya. The team was stranded at the airport without any assistance following a dangerous diversion of their chartered aircraft, which had been en route to Benghazi.
The Nigerian delegation, which arrived on Sunday afternoon, was unexpectedly rerouted to the small Al Abraq Airport, typically reserved for hajj operations. According to reports by The PUNCH, the diversion occurred just as the pilot was preparing to land in Benghazi. Upon arrival, the Super Eagles found themselves stuck with no transportation or support from the Libyan Football Federation.
In a statement released on Monday, the NFF detailed the chaotic situation, explaining that players and officials remained at the airport for over 12 hours, unable to reach their hotel in Benghazi, which was three hours away. The NFF condemned the treatment of the Nigerian team, expressing concern over the dangerous manner in which their plane was diverted and the lack of hospitality from their Libyan counterparts.
Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, took to social media to voice his frustration, describing the situation as “disgraceful.” In a series of tweets, Troost-Ekong revealed that the team was left in an abandoned airport without access to food, water, or phone connections. “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 The Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi without reason.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. All to play mind games,” he wrote.
He further criticized the Libyan authorities for preventing the Tunisian pilot from securing accommodation for his crew, forcing them to sleep on the plane. Troost-Ekong called the entire situation an unprecedented “mind game” aimed at unsettling the Nigerian team ahead of the crucial AFCON qualifier.
Following this ordeal, the players resolved not to participate in the match. The NFF, supporting their decision, is now working on arrangements to bring the team back to Nigeria. “Players have resolved not to play the match any longer, and NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home,” the federation confirmed.
The Super Eagles’ first leg against Libya ended in a 1-0 win, but the chaotic events in Libya have overshadowed the team’s preparations for the return fixture. This decision by the NFF is likely to have further implications for Nigeria’s AFCON qualification campaign.
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