The Nigeria Football Federation has decided to pull the Super Eagles out of Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.
This follows a frustrating 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya, where the team has been stranded since their arrival on Sunday afternoon.
It was gathered that the Nigerian delegation was en route to Benghazi for the crucial qualifier when their chartered aircraft was dangerously diverted mid-flight to Al Abraq, a small airport typically reserved for hajj operations.
The unexpected diversion left players and officials stranded without any assistance from the Libyan Football Federation, which failed to provide transportation.
In a statement today, the NFF detailed the chaotic situation, explaining that the team remained at the airport for over 12 hours, unable to reach their hotel in Benghazi, which is three hours away.
The NFF further noted that the fatigued and frustrated players have now resolved not to play the match.
The NFF, supporting the players’ decision, is currently arranging for the team to fly back to Nigeria, effectively pulling them out of the fixture.
Reacting to the situation, Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong condemned the treatment by the Libyan authorities.
In a series of tweets early Monday morning, Troost-Ekong described the situation as “disgraceful,” accusing the hosts of playing “mind games.”
He revealed that the team is being kept in an abandoned airport with no access to food, drink, or phone connections.
Troost-Ekong also mentioned the difficulties faced by the Tunisian pilot, who managed the unexpected change in destination but was subsequently refused accommodation for his crew under government orders.