The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the withdrawal of the Super Eagles from their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya, which was scheduled for Tuesday. This decision follows a harrowing 12-hour delay at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya, where the team has been stranded since Sunday.
The Nigerian squad was on their way to Benghazi for the crucial match when their chartered aircraft was unexpectedly diverted mid-flight to Al Abraq, a smaller airport primarily used for hajj pilgrimages. Upon landing, the team found themselves abandoned without any form of assistance from the Libyan Football Federation, which failed to arrange transportation to their hotel in Benghazi, three hours away.
In a statement released on Monday, the NFF expressed their frustration over the situation, confirming that despite efforts to make alternative arrangements, the players had grown fatigued and ultimately resolved not to play the match. The federation has now begun preparations to fly the team back to Nigeria.
“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 NFF said in the statement.
“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.”
The NFF further explained that Al Abraq International Airport is rarely used for such purposes, primarily operating during hajj seasons. Fatigued from the long wait and without transportation, the players were left stranded at the airport with no assistance in sight. The Libyan Football Federation failed to provide any reception or vehicles to take the team to their hotel.
“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 statement added.
This development comes after Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Libya in Uyo last week, and the Super Eagles were hoping to secure another win in the second leg of the AFCON qualifier. However, with the current circumstances, the team’s return to Nigeria has now taken priority.
