Photo caption: Super Eagles stranded for 12 hours at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya
*Osimhen, Nwabali condemn ‘inhumane’ treatment
The Nigeria Football Federation has decided to pull the Super Eagles out of Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.
This follows a frustrating 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya, where the team has been stranded since their arrival on Sunday afternoon.
The PUNCH reports that the Nigerian delegation was en route to Benghazi for the crucial qualifier when their chartered aircraft was dangerously diverted mid-flight to Al Abraq, a small airport typically reserved for hajj operations.
The unexpected diversion left players and officials stranded without any assistance from the Libyan Football Federation, which failed to provide transportation.
In a statement on Monday, the NFF detailed the chaotic situation, explaining that the team remained at the airport for over 12 hours, unable to reach their hotel in Benghazi, which is three hours away.
“The Nigerian delegation for Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya is still at Al Abraq Airport, 12 hours after landing. The chartered ValueJet aircraft was, strangely and in a dangerous manner, diverted to the small airport just as the pilot was completing his approach to Benghazi Airport,” the NFF stated.
The NFF further noted that the fatigued and frustrated players have now resolved not to play the match.
The NFF, supporting the players’ decision, is currently arranging for the team to fly back to Nigeria, effectively pulling them out of the fixture.
“Players have resolved not to play the match any longer, and NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home,” the statement concluded.
Reacting to the situation, Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong condemned the treatment by the Libyan authorities.
In a series of tweets early Monday morning, Troost-Ekong described the situation as “disgraceful,” accusing the hosts of playing “mind games.”
He revealed that the team is being kept in an abandoned airport with no access to food, drink, 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 The Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi without reason.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.
“I’ve experienced issues before while playing away in Africa, but this is disgraceful behaviour,” he wrote.
Troost-Ekong also mentioned the difficulties faced by the Tunisian pilot, who managed the unexpected change in destination but was subsequently refused accommodation for his crew under government orders.
While the pilot could rest at the airport, Nigerian crew members were not allowed to stay, forcing them to sleep on the plane.
“Even the Tunisian pilot, who thankfully managed to navigate the last-minute change to an airport not fit for our plane to land, had never seen anything like this before,” he wrote.
“Upon arrival, he tried to find a nearby hotel to rest with his crew but was denied at every hotel, again under government instruction. He could sleep there, but no Nigerian crew members were allowed. They have now returned to sleep on the plane, which is parked up,” Troost-Ekong added.
Osimhen, Nwabali condemn ‘inhumane’ treatment
Meanwhile, Nigerian football stars Victor Osimhen and Stanley Nwabali have expressed deep disappointment over the treatment of the Super Eagles at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya.
Osimhen voiced his frustration regarding the unprofessional handling of the national team, labelling the situation as “inhumane” in a post on Monday.
“I am disappointed by the unfair treatment my brothers and coaches faced at the Libyan airport last night. Actions like this go against the spirit of sportsmanship. My support is with my team, and I know they’ll stay strong despite these obstacles,” Osimhen said.
He urged the Confederation of African Football to intervene swiftly.
“I call on CAF and other football bodies to intervene, as my teammates and officials are still stranded at the airport in Libya. This is uncalled for and inhumane. We stand together, stronger than ever.”
Nwabali, echoing Osimhen’s concerns, took to social media to express his outrage at the conditions the team endured during their trip.
Posting on his X handle, he revealed that the Super Eagles had been stranded for over 14 hours at an abandoned airport, with no access to food, water, or internet.
He described the ordeal as “absolutely crazy” and also called for immediate CAF intervention.
“Over 14 hours spent at an abandoned Libyan airport. No food, no water, no internet access — this is absolutely crazy! #CAF_Online, please do the needful,” Nwabali tweeted.
Victor Boniface also shared his frustration on social media, writing, “Been at the airport for almost 13 hours, no food, no Wi-Fi, nowhere to sleep. Africa, we can do better.”
The PUNCH reports that the Nigerian delegation was en route to Benghazi for a crucial qualifier when their chartered flight was dangerously diverted mid-flight to Al Abraq, a small airport typically used for hajj operations.
The team was left stranded at the airport for 12 hours without assistance from the Libyan Football Federation, which failed to provide transportation.
Despite the ongoing situation, CAF has yet to address the issue.
