Following the recent mistreatment from Libya, the Nigeria Football Federation NFF has decided to pull the Super Eagles out of their Tuesday clash with them. The game is the return leg of their AFCON qualifier after winning 1-0 at home. This decision follows a frustrating 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya, where the Super Eagles was left stranded since their arrival on Sunday.
NFF Pulls Calls Super Eagles Players from Libya
It was reported that the chartered aircraft which was carrying the players was dangerously diverted mid-flight to Al Abraq.
This was a small airport typically reserved for hajj operations. The unexpected diversion was said to be based on the instructions from the Libya government. This action left players and officials stranded without any assistance from the Libyan Football Federation, which failed to provide transportation as well.
In a statement on Monday, the NFF explained that the team remained at the airport for over 12 hours, unable to reach their hotel in Benghazi, which is three hours away. According to their report, it reads: “The Nigerian delegation for Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya is still at Al Abraq Airport, 12 hours after landing. The chartered ValueJet aircraft was, strangely and in a dangerous manner, diverted to the small airport just as the pilot was completing his approach to Benghazi Airport.”
The NFF further noted that the fatigued and frustrated players have now resolved not to play the match. NFF, supported the players’ decision, and they are currently arranging for the team to fly back to Nigeria.
A statement from the NFF says: “Players have resolved not to play the match any longer, and NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home.”
Reacting to the situation, Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong condemned the treatment by the Libyan authorities. Despite all the troubles, CAF have not released any statement as regards the matter so the players feels it’s only proper they return to Nigeria.
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