The Super Eagles’ unimaginable experience in Libya has escalated into a diplomatic and sporting controversy, prompting outrage from Nigerian officials, players, and fans alike.
The Nigeria male national team had a disappointing arrival in Libya as they were left stranded at the airport by their host.
The team’s flight got diverted to Libya and arrived at a different designated small airport ahead of their scheduled 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
They initially planned on flying to Tripoli before a two-hour road trip to Benghazi, ten kilometres away from the location of the match, the 10,000-capacity Martyrs of Benina Stadium.
However, they changed flight plans and decided to fly straight to Benghazi to avoid the physical toll a road trip would take on the players ahead of the match on Tuesday.
The players and the NFF representatives had to spend Sunday night at the airport after becoming stranded for nearly 15 hours without sustenance.
Reportedly, after being stranded at Al Abraq International Airport with no food, water, or internet access, the Libyan government has cleared the Nigerian flight to bring the players and officials back home, following significant pressure on Libyan authorities to refuel their plane and clear their airspace.
While the Libyan government initially claimed that logistical challenges and routine air traffic control protocols were responsible for the delays, Nigerian officials and players paint a different picture.
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong labeled the situation “embarrassing” and described how the team was kept waiting despite the availability of fuel. In a series of tweets, Troost-Ekong revealed how a bus driver and other staff mocked the team during their ordeal, “Can you imagine? So, how long are they planning to hold us hostage here?” he tweeted.
The Nigerian government, alarmed by the unfolding crisis, intervened. Sports Minister John Enoh made it clear that the team’s safety was paramount, far outweighing the importance of the AFCON qualifier.
In a statement, Enoh said, “The CAF President’s concern seems to be what to do to get the national team to participate in tomorrow’s match, but I have informed CAF that the concern of the Government and people of Nigeria is first, the safety of the team and their safe return.”
He also called for serious consequences for the Libyan Football Federation for what he described as “unspeakable behavior.” Despite the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) filing a formal complaint, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has yet to take firm action against Libya.
According to CAF’s Communications Head, Luxolo September, the African football is working on resolving the issue.
September’s statement read: “CAF is aware of this matter and is in touch with the Teams in Libya.”
The African football governing body then released another statement hours later, stating the matter had been referred to the organisation’s disciplinary board.
CAF’s statement read: “The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) has been in contact with the Libyan and Nigerian authorities after it had been informed that the Nigerian National Football Team (“Super Eagles”) and their technical team were stranded in disturbing conditions for several hours at an airport that they were allegedly instructed to land by the Libyan authorities.
“The matter has been referred to the CAF Disciplinary Board for investigation and appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the CAF Statutes and Regulations.”
It now remains to be seen the solution CAF comes up with. But with the Super Eagles still stranded at the airport, it is unlikely that they will have a change of heart as there is not enough time to train for the match, which is scheduled for Tuesday.
Meanwhile, According to SportsDokita today on X, it was revealed that this is not the first time Lybia has been guilty of ill-treatment.
“This is not a new thing for Libya, as they did to Enyimba of Aba in 2022. Enyimba slept in an airport for 24hours+ after their opponents, Libya’s Al Itihad changed venue without communication.
“They also did to Rivers United when they went to play Al Nasr Benghazi in Libya, the Libyans switched off the lights of their training ground and they trained in darkness” the post reads.
The Libyan FA has made a statement following the situation being faced by the Super Eagles players and their delegates.
The official statement released on their official account on X reads, “We are deeply concerned about the recent reports surrounding the diversion of the Nigerian national team’s flight ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Libya.”
The Libyan FA also stated that the flight diversion and the issue the Super Eagles faced occurred as a result of logistic challenges which include standard air traffic procedures and denied any foul play.
The statement continued, “While we regret any inconvenience caused, it is essential to note that such incidents can occur due to routine air traffic control protocols, security checks, or logistical challenges that affect international air travel.
“These are standard procedures at airports worldwide, and delays or rerouting, though unfortunate, are not uncommon.
“We have the utmost respect for our Nigerian counterparts and want to reassure them that the diversion of their flight was not intentional.”
They also pointed out that their own team faced difficulties upon their recent arrival in Nigeria, but they chose not to publicize the matter.
This incident has stirred broader discussions about the treatment of African teams during international fixtures and the growing frustration with CAF’s handling of such matters.
Star players like Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali expressed their disappointment, questioning why CAF has remained silent on the matter.
Nigerian officials have demanded that CAF hold the Libyan authorities accountable.
The spotlight now turns to CAF, what will be their next move?
