The Super Eagles’ experience at Al Abraq Airport prompted the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to strongly condemn the Super Eagles and cancel their match against Libya.
This occurred following the national team’s more than 12-hour stranding prior to their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Libya.
Super Eagles stranded at a Libyan airport for 13 hours will come home, according to AFCON . Eyes Of Lagos reports,
The team was delayed all night without food after being redirected to a much smaller, less well-known airport that is usually used for Hajj operations. The team was originally expected to land in Benghazi.
Statement from NFF Regarding Super Eagles Stranded at Libyan Airport
After arriving in Libya for 12 hours, the Super Eagles are still at Al Abraq Airport!
Twelve hours after arriving in Libya, the Nigerian delegation for Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier versus Libya was still at the Al Abraq Airport.
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.”
