Super Eagles return to Nigeria following Libya stalemate
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are currently returning to the country following the stalemate in Libya.
It was reported that the Nigerian players had been stranded in the North African country for over 16 hours.
READ ALSO: NFF withdraws from AFCON qualifier match against Libya
Following Nigeria’s victory over Libya in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday, a return leg for the ongoing AFCON 2025 Qualifier was scheduled for Benghazi, Libya, on Tuesday.
The Nigerian team departed for Benghazi via a chartered flight on Sunday. However, the flight was diverted about an hour before landing, forcing the players to land at Al Abraq International Airport, which is typically used only for hajj operations.
After landing, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) arranged for a road trip to the match venue, as Libyan Football Federation officials were absent. However, airport authorities did not allow the chartered bus to enter.
In light of these developments, the Super Eagles decided not to proceed with the match and to return home.
William Troost-Ekong, the Super Eagles captain, has been providing updates on the situation via X. He tweeted that they were about to leave Libya, stating, “Apparently our plane is being fueled as we speak, and we should be leaving for Nigeria shortly. Thanks for everyone’s support!” He added, “I REITERATE: We would NEVER treat a guest nation for a game in this way. Mistakes happen, delays happen, but never on purpose!”
Additionally, a social media account focused on Libyan issues confirmed that the Nigerian team was preparing to depart, tweeting, “The Nigerian national team mission is now receiving boarding passes to return to Nigeria from Labraq Airport and will take off shortly.”
Earlier, the NFF explained their decision to boycott the return leg of the AFCON qualifier against Libya. In a statement, communications officer Ademola Olajire noted that the decision stemmed from the maltreatment by Libyan government officials, who failed to clear the Nigerian team at Al Abraq Airport.
“The fatigued players and officials remain nonplussed, as the Libyan Football Federation did not send any reception team or vehicles to transport the delegation to their hotel, which is three hours away in Benghazi,” he stated.
“The NFF had arranged separate vehicles for the team, but the plan was disrupted by the flight diversion. The players have resolved not to play the match any longer, and NFF officials are making arrangements to fly the team back home,” he concluded.
Proofreading by Uchechi Ojo, Sub-editor at Neptune Prime.
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