The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially withdrawn the Super Eagles from their scheduled 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya. The decision follows a harrowing 12-hour ordeal the team experienced at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya.
The Nigerian team had arrived at the airport on Sunday afternoon, en route to Benghazi for the crucial match, when their chartered aircraft was unexpectedly diverted. Originally headed to Benghazi, the flight was rerouted mid-air to Al Abraq, a small airport typically used for hajj operations. The diversion left the Super Eagles stranded, with no assistance or transportation provided by the Libyan Football Federation.
In a statement released on Monday, the NFF described the situation as chaotic and unacceptable. “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 statement read.
The Super Eagles remained stranded at the airport, with no way to reach their hotel in Benghazi, which is a three-hour drive away. Frustrated and fatigued after hours of waiting, the players have decided to withdraw from the match.
The NFF fully supports the players’ decision and has begun making arrangements to bring 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 federation added.
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong expressed his dismay at the situation, calling out the Libyan authorities for their poor treatment of the team. In a series of tweets, Troost-Ekong described the ordeal as “disgraceful” and accused the hosts of playing “mind games.”
“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 The Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi without reason.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.
He also detailed the struggles faced by the Tunisian pilot and Nigerian crew members, who were denied accommodation by local authorities. While the pilot was permitted to rest at the airport, Nigerian crew members were forced to sleep on the plane.
The Super Eagles’ withdrawal from the match marks a significant disruption in their AFCON qualification campaign, as the team focuses on resolving the aftermath of the Libyan debacle.
