The Nigerian Super Eagles have found themselves at the center of an unexpected diplomatic standoff after being stranded for over 13 hours at Al Abraq Airport in Libya. The incident occurred on Sunday, October 13, 2024, just two days before their crucial second-leg Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifier against Libya.
The situation, which has drawn international attention, has thrown the upcoming match into doubt, as Nigeria’s team faces logistical hurdles and exhaustion.
Unexpected Flight Diversion Leaves Nigerian Team Stranded for Hours
The Super Eagles’ journey to Benghazi, Libya, took an unexpected turn when their chartered flight was diverted to Al Abraq Airport, a smaller facility primarily used for Hajj operations. The airport, located more than two hours from Benghazi by road, was not equipped to handle the influx of a major international sports team. Upon landing, the Super Eagles and their delegation were left without any transportation or reception from the Libyan authorities, forcing them to remain in the airport for over 13 hours.
This diversion caught the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and the team completely by surprise. The team, already weary from travel, had no option but to wait in the airport overnight. The gates were reportedly locked, leaving them stranded in a facility with minimal resources. Despite the NFF’s efforts to arrange for transportation to Benghazi, the diversion and lack of cooperation from Libyan officials made it impossible to get the team to their destination.
Libyan Football Federation Fails to Provide Reception for Stranded Nigerian Team
According to reports, the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) did not send a reception team or arrange transportation for the Nigerian delegation, leaving the Super Eagles in limbo. This failure by the host nation breached normal protocol for international matches, where hospitality for visiting teams is typically prioritized. The NFF expressed its frustration, revealing that the situation placed immense strain on the players and officials, who were already fatigued from travel.
“The Libyan Football Federation has failed to provide even basic transportation or accommodations for our team. The conditions at Al Abraq Airport are not fit for a professional team, and we are gravely concerned about the health and well-being of our players,” a statement from the NFF read. The team, after enduring hours of waiting without food or water, reached a breaking point, with players reportedly contemplating boycotting the match altogether due to exhaustion and poor treatment.
Diplomatic Tensions Emerge: A History of Strained Relations
The ongoing situation has brought to light deeper tensions between Nigeria and Libya, particularly in relation to how the Libyan national team was received in Nigeria during the first leg of the AFCON 2025 qualifier. Libyan officials have accused Nigeria of providing subpar hospitality when the Libyan team visited Uyo for the first-leg match. Reports from the Libyan camp suggested that their team faced long delays at the airport and substandard accommodations during their stay in Nigeria. This retaliatory action by the Libyan authorities seems to be an attempt to mirror their experience in Nigeria, further straining relations between the two football federations.
With the two teams set to meet again in a highly anticipated second-leg match, these tensions have cast a shadow over the competition. What was supposed to be a crucial football match has now become a flashpoint for international sports diplomacy, highlighting the role that politics can play in international competitions, particularly in regions with complex political dynamics like North Africa.
Super Eagles Consider Boycotting AFCON Qualifier Due to Exhaustion
The toll of being stranded for over 13 hours in a foreign airport without provisions has taken a heavy toll on the Super Eagles. Players, led by captain William Troost-Ekong, are reportedly considering boycotting the upcoming match, which is scheduled for October 15, 2024. The prolonged delay has left the team physically and mentally exhausted, raising concerns about their ability to compete at the highest level.
Troost-Ekong took to social media to express his frustration, stating that the conditions were unacceptable for an international football team. He also called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to intervene and ensure that the Super Eagles are treated fairly. The captain’s concerns were echoed by other key players, including star striker Victor Osimhen, who condemned the treatment as “inhumane” and called for swift action from CAF and Nigerian authorities.
Victor Osimhen and Troost-Ekong Condemn Libya’s Treatment of Super Eagles
Victor Osimhen, one of Nigeria’s most prominent footballers, voiced his support for his teammates and called the treatment “totally unacceptable” in a series of social media posts. Osimhen, who was not present for the trip, took to Instagram to express his outrage, labeling the situation as an intentional attempt to “weaken and demoralize” the Super Eagles before the important qualifier match. He urged CAF and other relevant football bodies to take immediate action, describing the ordeal as not only a violation of sportsmanship but a matter of basic human decency.
Osimhen’s statements were reinforced by Troost-Ekong, who made it clear that the team would not be willing to play the match under such conditions. The captain stressed that unless the game is moved to a neutral venue or other acceptable arrangements are made, the Super Eagles would return to Nigeria without playing.
AFCON 2025 Qualifier at Risk as NFF Considers Withdrawal
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has been working to resolve the situation, but the possibility of the Super Eagles boycotting the match looms large. With the team still stranded and no clear resolution in sight, there are growing concerns that the AFCON 2025 qualifier may not go ahead as planned. NFF officials have indicated that if the match cannot be held under fair conditions, they will consider withdrawing the team and appealing to CAF for intervention.
Given the high stakes of the match, with both teams vying for a place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the implications of a withdrawal could be significant. The Super Eagles are currently leading their group, but a forfeiture could jeopardize their chances of qualifying for the tournament.
What’s Next? Uncertainty Surrounds Nigeria’s AFCON Qualifier
As of the latest reports, the Super Eagles remain in Libya, with the NFF making arrangements to either continue with the match or bring the team back home. However, the situation remains fluid, with no official word on whether the match will go ahead as scheduled. The unfolding diplomatic standoff highlights the broader challenges faced by international teams when traveling to politically sensitive regions and underscores the need for greater oversight by international sporting bodies.
CAF and other relevant authorities are expected to address the situation soon, as both teams and football fans across Africa await news on the future of the AFCON 2025 qualifier.
