There are doubts over the Nigerian Super Eagles 2025 AFCON game against the Libyan national, Benina after the players were left stranded at Al Abraq Airport in Libya for more than 12 hours.
The chartered ValueJet flight was unexpectedly diverted from Benghazi to this remote airport, leaving players and officials without communication or transport to their hotel, a three-hour drive away.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) reported that the diversion occurred just before landing in Benghazi, where all arrangements had been made.
The NFF had earlier expressed concern for the players’ well-being due to the lack of support from Libyan authorities, and reports have now surfaced that the players spent the night sleeping on airport metal benches.
A Super Eagles player asleep on a bench
It has been gathered that the Super Eagles stars will refuse to play tomorrow, citing the long delay and lack of rest ahead of the crucial qualifier.
A statement from the NFF noted, “The Nigerian delegation has been at Al Abraq Airport for 12 hours after the flight was dangerously diverted. Fatigued players and officials are frustrated as the Libyan Football Federation did not provide reception or transportation.”
Tensions have escalated, with Super Eagles players reportedly refusing to play the match and demanding to return home. The team awaits further instructions from the NFF, which is seeking alternative transport or a flight back to Nigeria.
Bright Osayi-Samuel, in an X (former Twitter) post, said, “I’ve been stuck in a random Libyan airport for 15 hours with no guarantee of health and safety.
“We can do better,” the player slammed the Confederation of African Football, CAF.
This incident follows claims from the Libyan team about mistreatment during their recent visit to Nigeria, raising concerns about potential retaliatory actions.
The situation has cast doubt on the upcoming match and highlighted issues of sports diplomacy and safety in international competitions. It remains uncertain whether the match will proceed as scheduled.
At the time of this report, the NFF was said to be making plans to fly the Nigerian players back.
