The Super Eagles’ 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Libya has been cancelled by the Nigeria Football Federation.
AFRIPOST had initially reported that the Super Eagles and its crew had been stuck in Al Abraq International Airport in Libya since their arrival on Sunday afternoon.
According to the PUNCH, the Nigerian delegation’s chartered aircraft was riskily redirected in mid-flight to Al Abraq, a minor airstrip usually used for hajj activities, when they were travelling to Benghazi for the important qualifier.
Due to the Libyan Football Federation’s failure to provide transportation, the sudden detour left officials and players stranded without any help.
The NFF described the tumultuous scenario in a statement on Monday, stating that the squad was unable to go to their hotel in Benghazi, which is three hours away and was stuck at the airport for more than 12 hours.
“The Nigerian delegation for Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya is still at Al Abraq Airport, 12 hours after landing. The chartered ValueJet aircraft was, strangely and dangerously, diverted to the small airport just as the pilot was completing his approach to Benghazi Airport,” the NFF stated.
The players have decided not to play the game because they are tired and frustrated, the NFF added.
In support of the players’ choice, the NFF is immediately setting up the team’s return flight to Nigeria, therefore, withdrawing them from the match.
“Players have resolved not to play the match any longer, and NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home,” the statement added.