The Super Eagles and their officials found themselves stranded for hours at Al Abraq Airport in Libya, following an unplanned flight diversion.
Initially set to land in Benghazi, the Nigerian Football Federation’s (NFF) transport arrangements were upended when the team’s plane was rerouted to a city over two hours away from their original destination.
Journalist Adepoju Tobi Samuel revealed the disruption in a tweet, explaining that the NFF had arranged for the team to land close to Benina, just minutes from Benghazi.
However, mid-flight, the plane was redirected to Al Abraq Airport. The Libyan Football Association failed to provide buses at the new location, leaving the Super Eagles stranded for over three hours.
“The NFF transport arrangement was already in Benghazi, but the plane was diverted to Abraq. No buses were provided by the Libyan FA, leaving the team locked up at the airport,” Samuel reported.
Super Eagles defender Tanimu Benjamin also expressed his frustration on social media, writing, “Four hours after arrival, we are still at the airport, with a two-hour drive ahead to the hotel.”
The Super Eagles are in Libya for the second leg of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, having won the first leg 1-0 in Uyo. Despite the travel challenges, the team is determined to secure a spot in next year’s tournament in Morocco.
