Super Eagles Grounded In Libya As NFF Demands Explanation, Threatens To Boycott

Benghazi, Libya –  The Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, find themselves in a precarious situation, stranded at Al-Abraq Airport in Libya for over 12 hours after a bizarre diversion incident during their arrival for the 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifier match against the Libyan national team.

The chartered ValueJet plane, carrying the Nigerian delegation, was inexplicably diverted from Benghazi Airport to the smaller Al-Abraq International Airport, known primarily for Hajj operations, while the pilot was in the final stages of his approach.
This unexpected redirection left the players, officials, and support staff in a state of disarray and exhaustion.

Adding to the frustration, the Libyan Football Federation failed to meet the Nigerian team upon their arrival, offering neither a reception committee nor transportation to their Benghazi hotel, located three hours away.

The NFF had already made arrangements for dedicated team vehicles, but the diversion foiled these plans.

“The NFF is deeply concerned by this unexpected turn of events. We are working tirelessly to secure the safety and well-being of our players and officials,” stated a spokesperson for the Nigerian Football Federation.

“We are seeking immediate clarification from the Libyan Football Federation about this inexplicable diversion and the lack of necessary arrangements for our team.”

The NFF has revealed that the players are now considering refusing to participate in the match, citing the unacceptable conditions and lack of support from the host federation.

“The team’s well-being is our top priority, and we will not allow them to play under these circumstances,” the spokesperson added.

The situation has escalated to a potential diplomatic crisis, with the NFF demanding a full investigation and explanation from the Libyan Football Federation.

The match, originally scheduled for Tuesday, is now in jeopardy as the NFF considers bringing the Nigerian team home.

The incident has raised serious concerns about the organizational capabilities of the Libyan Football Federation and the safety of visiting teams.

This developing story will be updated as further details emerge.