Super Eagles Pulled from AFCON Qualifier After Libya Airport Ordeal, Nigeria Football Federation Confirms
The Nigeria Football Federation has announced the withdrawal of the Super Eagles from the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.
This decision comes after a frustrating 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport, where the team has been stranded since arriving on Sunday afternoon as their chartered flight, which was meant to take them to Benghazi, was unexpectedly diverted to this small airport, typically reserved for hajj operations, just as they were nearing their destination.
The Nigerian delegation has faced numerous challenges since their arrival, including a lack of assistance from the Libyan Football Federation, which failed to provide transportation or any support.
According to the NFF, players and officials remained at the airport for over 12 hours without being able to reach their hotel in Benghazi, located three hours away. The NFF described the situation as chaotic and dangerous, expressing their support for the players’ decision to withdraw from the match.
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong condemned the treatment by Libyan authorities, labeling the situation as “disgraceful.” In a series of tweets, he detailed the team’s experiences, noting that they were kept in an abandoned area of the airport without access to food, drink, or phone connections. Troost-Ekong revealed that the Libyan government had rescinded their approved landing in Benghazi without explanation, effectively locking the airport gates on the team.
Additionally, he highlighted the challenges faced by the Tunisian pilot, who managed the unexpected diversion but was also denied accommodation for his crew. While the pilot could rest at the airport, Nigerian crew members were forced to sleep on the plane, with hotels refusing them entry under government orders. Troost-Ekong expressed his frustration at the treatment, emphasizing that such behavior is unacceptable in international sports.
