The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially pulled the Super Eagles out of Tuesday’s crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya. This decision follows a grueling 12-hour nightmare at Libya’s Al Abraq International Airport, where the team has been stranded without assistance since their arrival on Sunday afternoon.
The Trumpet Newspaper gathered that the Nigerian delegation was on its way to Benghazi when their chartered aircraft was dangerously diverted mid-flight to the small, hajj-operating Al Abraq Airport. The sudden and unannounced diversion left players and officials stranded in a remote location with no support from the Libyan Football Federation.
In a statement released Monday, the NFF described the chaotic ordeal, revealing that the Super Eagles remained stuck at the airport for over 12 hours, unable to travel the three hours required to reach their hotel in Benghazi.
“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 dangerously, diverted to this small airport just as the pilot was completing his approach to Benghazi,” the NFF’s statement read.
Due to the physical and mental exhaustion of the players, the NFF announced that the Super Eagles have resolved not to play the match. Plans are already in motion to fly the team back to Nigeria, effectively pulling them out of the AFCON fixture.
Super Eagles Captain Troost-Ekong Slams Libyan Authorities
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong did not hold back in his response, taking to social media to condemn the “disgraceful” treatment by the Libyan authorities. In a series of viral tweets early Monday morning, Troost-Ekong detailed the horrific experience, accusing the hosts of playing mind games with the Nigerian team.
“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 The Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi without reason.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 tweeted, sparking outrage among fans and football enthusiasts worldwide.
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He also revealed the challenges faced by the Tunisian pilot, who managed to land the plane safely despite the sudden change in destination, only for his crew to be denied accommodation at every nearby hotel under government orders. Nigerian crew members were forced to sleep on the plane due to the refusal of local hotels to accept them.
Social Media Erupts Over Super Eagles’ Libya Ordeal
Troost-Ekong’s tweets quickly went viral, with fans and football lovers expressing shock and anger over the mistreatment of the Super Eagles. Hashtags like #SupportSuperEagles and #LibyaAirportOrdeal began trending as people around the globe voiced their frustration and demanded answers from both the Libyan and Nigerian governments.
The ordeal has reignited concerns over the safety and fairness of international football fixtures, especially in politically unstable regions. Many have called for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA to investigate the incident and ensure such situations do not occur in the future.
For now, the Super Eagles are expected to return to Nigeria, having made the decision to prioritize their safety and well-being over the game. Fans around the world continue to stand in solidarity with the Nigerian team, celebrating their bravery in the face of adversity.
