Nigerian forward Victor Boniface expressed frustration over the Super Eagles' 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya, where they faced a lack of food and accommodations. After their flight was diverted, players decided not to participate in the AFCON 2025 qualifier, prompting concerns over the treatment of athletes.
Nigerian forward Victor Boniface has voiced his frustration regarding the Super Eagles’ troubling experience at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya, where they were stuck for 12 hours. The team arrived in Libya for a crucial AFCON 2025 qualifier, but their chartered ValueJet flight was unexpectedly diverted from Benghazi Airport to the smaller Al Abraq Airport, typically designated for Hajj operations.
Upon landing, the players and officials were met with a complete lack of food, Wi-Fi, and sleeping arrangements. Boniface expressed his discontent on X, stating, “Been at the airport for almost 13 hours, no food, no Wi-Fi, nowhere to sleep. Africa, we can do better.”
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that the diversion disrupted the team’s transportation plans, which were supposed to take them to their hotel in Benghazi, located about three hours away. Despite prior arrangements, the Libyan Football Federation failed to provide any reception team or vehicles to assist the players, leaving them exhausted and frustrated.
In light of the situation, the players have decided not to participate in the upcoming match, and the NFF is working on plans to arrange for the team's return home. This incident has raised concerns about how the Nigerian team has been treated in Libya, highlighting the need for improved support for athletes during international events.
