The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has withdrawn the Super Eagles from their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya scheduled for Tuesday.
The decision follows a 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport, where the team was left stranded.
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The Nigerian delegation was en route to Benghazi for the crucial match when their chartered aircraft was unexpectedly diverted to Al Abraq, a small airport primarily used for hajj operations. Upon arrival, the team found no assistance from the Libyan Football Federation, which failed to provide transportation.
In a statement released on Monday, the NFF expressed deep frustration, stating, “The delegation of Nigeria to Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya still remained at the Al Abraq Airport 12 hours after landing in Libya.”
The NFF further explained that the chartered aircraft had been “dangerously diverted” just as the pilot was completing his approach to Benghazi Airport. The team, fatigued and frustrated, remained stranded without any reception or vehicles from the Libyan side.
“The NFF made arrangements for separate vehicles for the team, but the plan was unhinged by the diversion of the aircraft,” the federation added. With no resolution in sight, the Super Eagles players decided to pull out of the match, and plans are now being made to fly the team back to Nigeria.
The NFF’s statement highlighted the unprofessional treatment the team received from their Libyan counterparts, expressing disappointment over the lack of coordination that led to the Super Eagles’ withdrawal from the important fixture.
