NFF Withdraws Super Eagles from AFCON Qualifier Following Airport Ordeal in Libya
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has decided to withdraw the Super Eagles from their upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya, following a harrowing 12-hour experience at Al Abraq International Airport.
The turmoil began when the Super Eagles arrived in Libya on Sunday afternoon, October 13, only to have their chartered flight dangerously diverted mid-air to the small Al Abraq Airport, typically used for hajj operations. The team was en route to Benghazi, where the crucial match was set to take place.
Upon landing, the Nigerian delegation found themselves stranded without any assistance from the Libyan Football Federation, which failed to provide transportation to their hotel—a daunting three-hour journey away.
In a statement released on Monday, October 14, the NFF outlined the chaotic situation, revealing that Super Eagles players and officials were left at the airport for over 12 hours, unable to progress to their intended destination. “The chartered ValueJet aircraft was strangely diverted just as the pilot was completing his approach to Benghazi Airport,” the NFF stated, expressing their frustration over the lack of support.
After enduring the ordeal, fatigued and disheartened, the players collectively resolved not to participate in the match. The NFF has supported this decision and is now making arrangements for the team to return to Nigeria.
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong took to social media early Monday, October 14, to condemn the treatment by Libyan authorities, describing the situation as “disgraceful” and accusing the hosts of engaging in “mind games.” He detailed the dire conditions, noting that the team was left in an abandoned airport with no access to food, drinks, or phone connections.
“12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Libya after our plane was diverted whilst descending. The Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi without reason,” Troost-Ekong tweeted. “They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without a phone connection, food, or drink. All to play mind games.”
He also highlighted the struggles faced by the Tunisian pilot, who managed the unexpected landing but was denied accommodation for his crew under government orders. While the pilot could rest at the airport, the Nigerian crew members were forced to sleep on the plane.
“Even the Tunisian pilot, who thankfully managed to navigate the last-minute change to an airport not fit for our plane to land, had never seen anything like this before,” The Super Eagles captain shared. “He was denied accommodation for his crew, and they have now returned to sleep on the plane.”
