The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially withdrawn the Super Eagles from Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya following a frustrating 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport.
The Nigerian delegation, en route to Benghazi for the crucial match, faced unexpected setbacks when their chartered aircraft was suddenly diverted mid-flight to Al Abraq, a small airport typically used for hajj operations. Upon arrival, the Super Eagles were stranded without any assistance from the Libyan Football Federation, which failed to provide transportation or logistical support.
In a statement issued on Monday, the NFF revealed that the team remained at the airport for over 12 hours, unable to proceed to their hotel in Benghazi, which was located three hours away. The federation expressed deep frustration over the mishandling of the situation, particularly the lack of coordination and support from their Libyan counterparts.
The NFF further explained that due to the ordeal, the Super Eagles players have decided to withdraw from playing the match. Arrangements are now being made to return the team to Nigeria.
The NFF’s statement reads:
“The delegation of Nigeria to Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya still remained at the Al Abraq Airport 12 hours after landing in Libya. 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. Players have resolved not to play the match any longer as NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home.”
The federation’s decision underscores the challenges faced by the Super Eagles during their trip, ultimately forcing them to abandon the crucial AFCON qualifier.
