The Super Eagles have threatened to withdraw from the 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya after being stranded at Al Abraq Airport for over 12 hours upon arrival.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) Communications Department released a statement on Monday, confirming that the team remained at the airport.
A video from the Eagles’ media team showed players and officials, along with their luggage, stuck at the airport, while Libyan airport officials appeared indifferent to their situation.
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The Eagles traveled to Libya on Sunday morning in preparation for their match against the Mediterranean Knights. The game is set to take place at the 10,000-capacity Martyrs of Benina Stadium, located just 10 kilometers from Benghazi, but reports indicate that the team may have been diverted to another city.
“The chartered ValueJet aircraft was, strangely and in a dangerous manner, diverted to the small airport away from Benghazi just as the pilot was completing his approach to the Benghazi Airport. We understand the Al Abraq International Airport is only used for hajj operations.
“Fatigued players and officials have remained nonplussed as the host Libyan Football Federation failed to send any reception team or even vehicles to take the delegation members from the airport to their hotel, said to be 3 hours away in Benghazi.
“The NFF made arrangements for separate vehicles for the team but the plan was unhinged by the diversion of the aircraft,” the statement read in part.
The players have decided not to participate in the match any longer, as NFF officials are arranging to fly the team back home.
Previously, Nigeria achieved a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Libya at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, thanks to a late goal from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.