The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially withdrawn the Super Eagles from their scheduled match against Libya in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, following a frustrating ordeal that left the team stranded at Al Abraq International Airport for over 12 hours.
The Nigerian delegation, en route to Benghazi for the crucial qualifier, faced unexpected challenges when their chartered aircraft was diverted mid-flight to Al Abraq, a small airport primarily used for Hajj operations. Upon arrival, the team found themselves without any assistance from the Libyan Football Federation, which failed to arrange transportation for the players and officials.
In a statement released on Monday, the NFF expressed deep frustration over the situation, detailing the mishandling of the team. They highlighted that the Super Eagles were unable to reach their hotel in Benghazi, located three hours away, and had received no support from their Libyan counterparts.
The NFF’s statement read: “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.”
It further noted that the Al Abraq International Airport is typically reserved for Hajj operations, and expressed disappointment that no reception team or vehicles were sent by the Libyan Football Federation to transport the Nigerian delegation to their hotel.
The players, fatigued and frustrated, have collectively decided not to participate in the match, prompting NFF officials to make arrangements for the team’s return to Nigeria. The statement concluded with: “Players have resolved not to play the match any longer as NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home.”
This withdrawal highlights the serious implications of the logistical failures experienced by the Super Eagles, raising questions about international sporting protocols and the responsibilities of host nations.