The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has decided to pull the Super Eagles out of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya, following a 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport. The Nigerian team has been stranded at the small Libyan airport since Sunday, with no assistance from the Libyan Football Federation.
The Super Eagles’ chartered aircraft was dangerously diverted mid-flight to Al Abraq, a facility typically reserved for hajj operations, instead of landing at Benghazi as planned. The team was left without transportation or support, stranded in harsh conditions for over 12 hours.
In a statement released on Monday, the NFF detailed the team’s experience, noting that they were unable to reach their hotel in Benghazi, which is three hours away. The NFF expressed frustration at the unsafe and chaotic situation, supporting the players’ decision not to play the match.
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong condemned the treatment by the Libyan authorities, describing it as “disgraceful.” In a series of tweets, Troost-Ekong revealed that the team was kept in an abandoned airport with no food, drink, or communication. He accused the Libyan hosts of playing “mind games” by diverting the plane and rescinding their approved landing at Benghazi.
Troost-Ekong also shared the difficulties faced by the Tunisian pilot, who was denied accommodation for his crew under government orders, forcing them to sleep on the plane.
The NFF is currently arranging for the team’s return to Nigeria, effectively pulling the Super Eagles from the fixture.
