The Super Eagles of Nigeria faced a distressing situation after being stranded for over 12 hours at Al Abraq Airport in Libya due to their flight's diversion. With no accommodation or transportation arranged, players expressed frustration, opting not to play in the upcoming AFCON 2025 qualifier against Libya.
The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, encountered significant challenges after being stranded at Al Abraq Airport in Libya for over 12 hours upon their arrival for the AFCON 2025 qualifier. The situation escalated when their chartered ValueJet flight was unexpectedly diverted from Benghazi Airport to the smaller Al Abraq International Airport, which typically serves Hajj operations only.
Upon landing, the players and officials faced severe inconveniences, including a lack of transportation and accommodation. The Libyan Football Federation failed to provide any reception team or vehicles to transport the delegation to their hotel, which is approximately three hours away in Benghazi. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had arranged separate transportation, but this plan was thwarted by the unexpected diversion.
As the hours passed without any resolution, fatigue, and frustration mounted among the team members. The NFF attempted to book hotel accommodations near the airport, only to be informed that local hotels had been instructed not to accept Nigerian guests. The aircraft crew also faced similar obstacles while seeking lodgings.
In light of these difficulties, the players have expressed their determination not to participate in the upcoming match against Libya, with NFF officials now working on arranging the team’s return to Nigeria. This ordeal highlights the ongoing challenges faced by African teams traveling for international competitions and raises concerns about the treatment of athletes on the continent.
