The Nigerian Football Federation condemned Libyan airport officials for their "inhumane treatment" of the Super Eagles, who were detained for over 20 hours before their AFCON qualifier. Following widespread outrage, the NFF withdrew from the match and returned home, prompting an investigation by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has issued a comprehensive statement detailing the "inhumane treatment" faced by the Super Eagles upon their arrival at Al Abraq airport in Libya. The team, arriving for the second leg of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match, endured a grueling 20-hour ordeal marked by disrespect and logistical challenges. In response to the outcry over their treatment, the NFF announced the team’s withdrawal from the match and organized their return home. Their flight landed at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano on Monday evening.
In a detailed communiqué, Dr. Ademola Olajire, the NFF Director of Communications, provided a point-by-point account of the team's struggles:
- Departure: The chartered ValueJet aircraft departed from Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, at 11:55 AM on Sunday, October 13, 2024, and stopped at Kano for immigration and refueling before heading to Benghazi, Libya.
- Flight to Benghazi: The flight took off from Kano at 3:18 PM, intending to arrive in Benghazi shortly before 8 PM Libya time.
- Forced Diversion: Just before landing, the pilot was ordered to divert to Al-Abraq International Airport due to an unspecified directive, despite having all required landing permissions.
- Arrival Conditions: Upon landing at 7:50 PM, the team found a poorly equipped airport, lacking standard scanning technology, which slowed down the arrival process.
- Lack of Respect: The delegation, which included players and NFF officials, experienced rude treatment from airport authorities, who demonstrated little respect for the team's status.
- Baggage Delay: It took over an hour for the team’s luggage to arrive, causing further frustration.
- Absence of Reception: No officials from the Libyan Football Federation were present to greet the delegation, and airport personnel could not provide transportation information.
- Security Issues: Attempts by team officials to check for transportation outside the airport were met with aggressive responses from security personnel.
- Communication Failures: Calls to the Libyan Football Federation’s General Secretary yielded no progress, with repeated promises of transportation never materializing.
- Lack of Provisions: Throughout the ordeal, no food or water was provided, leading to significant distress among players and staff.
- Delay Orders: At midnight, the team was informed of a directive to delay their departure for at least 10 hours due to fabricated claims against them.
- NFF’s Response: The NFF reacted with disbelief, noting that the accusations originated from the Libyan side, which had previously generated controversy around their team’s travel.
- NFF President's Statement: President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau expressed his outrage at the treatment, emphasizing the need for football to foster international goodwill, not hostility.
- Embassy Involvement: The Nigerian embassy in Tripoli had previously requested to welcome the delegation but was denied by Libyan authorities.
- Coping Mechanisms: Players and officials attempted to alleviate their frustration through games, music, and socializing while waiting for transport.
- Safety Concerns: There were serious worries regarding the team's safety, amplified by threats on social media from Libyan sources.
- Emergency Calls: The NFF reached out to CAF and FIFA officials to report the situation and seek intervention.
- Assistance from Nigerian Community: The President of the Nigerian community in Eastern Libya provided the team with basic supplies after arriving with food and drinks.
- Match Withdrawal: Ultimately, it was agreed that the team would not proceed with the match and would return to Nigeria.
- Departure from Libya: After extensive delays in securing fuel for their chartered aircraft, the delegation finally departed Al-Abraq Airport at 3:05 PM, en route to Kano and then Abuja.
