The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has withdrawn the Super Eagles from Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya. This decision comes after the team endured a 12-hour delay at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya, where they were left stranded upon arrival on Sunday afternoon.
The Nigerian team had been heading to Benghazi for the crucial qualifier when their flight was unexpectedly diverted to Al Abraq, a small airport typically used for hajj operations. The players and officials received no assistance from the Libyan Football Federation and were left without transportation.
In a statement, the NFF explained the chaotic situation, detailing how the team had been stuck at the airport for over 12 hours, unable to reach their hotel in Benghazi, which was a three-hour journey away.
Due to the exhausting and frustrating experience, the players decided they would no longer participate in the match. The NFF, supporting the players’ stance, is now arranging their return to Nigeria.
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong voiced his frustration over the treatment they received. In a series of tweets, he condemned the Libyan authorities for what he described as “mind games” and “disgraceful behavior,” revealing that the team had been left at an abandoned airport without access to food, water, or communication.
He also highlighted the challenges faced by the Tunisian pilot, who navigated the sudden change in destination but was refused accommodation for his crew under government orders, forcing Nigerian crew members to sleep on the plane.
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