Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, are facing an unexpected crisis after being diverted to Al Abraq International Airport in Libya, where they have been stranded for 12 hours. The team, scheduled to play a crucial 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya on Tuesday, arrived on a chartered ValueJet aircraft but found themselves at the wrong airport, typically used for Hajj operations.
The sudden diversion has caused significant delays, leaving players and officials exhausted and frustrated. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had arranged transportation, but the change in destination derailed those plans, leaving the delegation without support from the host country.
According to NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, “There was no reception from the Libyan Football Federation, no vehicles to transport the team, and their hotel is reportedly three hours away from the airport.” The team’s situation remains unresolved, prompting players to consider boycotting the match.
NFF officials are scrambling to make alternative arrangements, including possibly flying the team back to Nigeria. This unexpected scenario casts serious doubt on whether Tuesday’s match will proceed as planned, putting Nigeria’s qualification hopes for the 2025 AFCON at risk.
The team’s ordeal has sparked concern, with Olajire describing it as “strange and dangerous.” As the situation unfolds, the football community holds its breath, hoping for a resolution that will allow the Super Eagles to take to the field.
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