The Super Eagles of Nigeria are considering boycotting their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification match against Libya thanks to the antics of the Libyan Football Federation.
After landing at the Al Abraq Airport in Libya on Sunday, October 13, the Super Eagles have been left stranded for over 13 hours without any assistance from the host Libyan Football Federation.
The team’s chartered aircraft was unexpectedly diverted to Al Abraq Airport, a small airport primarily used for hajj operations, instead of landing at the intended Benghazi Airport.
This unexpected diversion has left the players and officials fatigued and bewildered, as they have not received any reception or transportation to their hotel, which is reportedly a 3-hour drive away in Benghazi.
Despite the Nigerian Football Federation’s efforts to arrange separate transportation for the team, the unforeseen diversion has disrupted their plans.
As a result, the players have expressed their resolve not to participate in the scheduled match, while the NFF officials are now making arrangements to fly the team back home.
A statement from the NFF communication department reads, “The NFF was ready to book hotel rooms for players and officials close to the said airport, but we were told by all hotels approached that they had been instructed not to welcome Nigerians. Our aircraft crew went searching for hotel rooms but were told the same thing.
“The captain (of the jet) was offered a hotel room because he’s a North African, but he turned it down and opted to return with the rest of the crew to the airport and sleep in the aircraft.”
Note that Libya, who suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of the Super Eagles at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, is currently bottom of Group D with one point in three games, while Nigeria is topping the table with seven points in three games.
