Nigeria Withdraws from AFCON Qualifier After Chaotic Airport Ordeal in Libya
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced that the Super Eagles will not participate in Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya, following a tumultuous 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport.
The Nigerian team, which arrived in Libya on Sunday, was left stranded in the small airport after their chartered flight was unexpectedly diverted mid-flight from Benghazi.
Originally set to land in Benghazi for the crucial qualifier, the Super Eagles’ flight was redirected to Al Abraq, a small airport mostly used for hajj operations, without any prior notice.
The diversion created immense confusion and frustration for the players and officials, as they were left stranded at the airport without any support from the Libyan Football Federation, which failed to provide transportation or assistance. Benghazi, their intended destination, is three hours away from Al Abraq.
In a statement released on Monday, the NFF described the chaotic and dangerous circumstances the team faced at Al Abraq Airport. “The Nigerian delegation for Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya is still at Al Abraq Airport, 12 hours after landing. The chartered ValueJet aircraft was, strangely and in a dangerous manner, diverted to the small airport just as the pilot was completing his approach to Benghazi Airport,” the NFF stated.
The frustration of the players was palpable, and after enduring hours without proper facilities, they resolved not to play the match. The NFF has supported the players’ decision, confirming that plans are being made to fly the team back to Nigeria.
“Players have resolved not to play the match any longer, and NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home,” the statement concluded.
The situation was further condemned by Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, who took to social media to express his disappointment. In a series of tweets, Troost-Ekong called the treatment “disgraceful” and accused the Libyan authorities of using the diversion and delays as mind games ahead of the match.
“12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Libya after our plane was diverted whilst descending. The Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi without reason. They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without a phone connection, food, or drink. All to play mind games,” Troost-Ekong wrote via his X (formerly Twitter) account.
The Nigerian team was reportedly left with no access to basic necessities, including food and water, as they awaited any form of transportation or response. The pilot of the chartered flight, a Tunisian national, also faced significant challenges, including being denied accommodation for his crew under government orders, forcing Nigerian crew members to sleep on the plane.
“Even the Tunisian pilot, who thankfully managed to navigate the last-minute change to an airport not fit for our plane to land, had never seen anything like this before,” Troost-Ekong added.
The Super Eagles’ decision to withdraw from the qualifier comes as a significant blow to their AFCON campaign. However, the safety and well-being of the players and officials took precedence after what has been described as an avoidable and dangerous situation.
The NFF is now working to arrange the team’s safe return to Nigeria as they regroup for future fixtures. Meanwhile, the incident has raised questions about the organization and safety of international fixtures, particularly in regions where political and logistical issues can affect visiting teams.
This incident marks a dark chapter in African football, as players and officials are left to deal with unnecessary obstacles, potentially putting their safety at risk for the sake of the game.
The NFF’s swift decision to support its players and withdraw from the fixture underscores the gravity of the situation.