The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has announced that the Super Eagles will no longer participate in the 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya after being stranded at Al Abraq Airport for over 12 hours.
According to an NFF statement on Monday, the team was left unattended upon arrival, with airport officials showing indifference to their situation. A video shared by the Eagles’ media team confirmed that players and officials, along with their luggage, were stranded at the airport.
The Super Eagles had departed for Libya on Sunday morning, ahead of their matchday 4 clash against the Mediterranean Knights. While they were scheduled to land in Benghazi, their ValueJet chartered flight was unexpectedly and dangerously diverted to Al Abraq Airport, a facility mainly used for Hajj operations. The Libyan Football Federation failed to send transportation or reception for the team, leaving them stuck hours away from their hotel in Benghazi.
The NFF had arranged vehicles for the team, but those plans were disrupted by the diversion. As a result, the players have decided not to proceed with the match, and the NFF is working on bringing the team back to Nigeria.
This decision comes after Nigeria's 1-0 victory over Libya in Uyo on Friday, courtesy of a late goal by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
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