The Super Eagles of Nigeria have made the decision to shelve their upcoming AFCON 2025 qualifier against Libya after enduring an exhausting 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq Airport. The team arrived in Libya following a successful first leg match in Uyo, where they secured a 1-0 victory.
Their journey took a troubling turn when their chartered ValueJet flight was unexpectedly diverted from Benghazi Airport to the much smaller Al Abraq International Airport, just as they were about to land. This diversion left the players stranded far from their intended destination, with no transportation provided by the host Libyan authorities.
Frustrations escalated as the Super Eagles found themselves stuck in the airport, locked out of proper facilities. Nigerian forward Victor Boniface expressed his discontent on social media, noting the lack of food, Wi-Fi, and any sleeping arrangements during their long wait.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed in a statement that the players and officials were fatigued and bewildered by the circumstances, emphasizing the failure of the Libyan Football Federation to arrange a reception team or transport to their hotel in Benghazi, which is over three hours away.
The statement said: “Super Eagles still at Al Abraq Airport 12 hours after landing in Libya!
“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.”
