The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has announced that the Super Eagles will no longer participate in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya.
This decision comes after the team was delayed for over 12 hours at Al Abraq Airport, where they were left stranded without assistance.
A statement issued by the NFF Communications Department on Monday revealed that the Super Eagles, along with their luggage, were held at the airport without any support from Libyan authorities. A video shared by the team’s media further confirmed that airport officials showed indifference to the situation.
The Super Eagles departed Nigeria on Sunday for their match against Libya, scheduled at the 10,000-capacity Martyrs of Benina Stadium near Benghazi. However, their flight was unexpectedly diverted to a smaller airport far from their original destination.
“The chartered ValueJet aircraft was dangerously diverted to the small Al Abraq International Airport, typically used only for hajj operations, just as it was preparing to land in Benghazi,” the NFF explained. Upon arrival, no reception team or transport was provided to take the delegation to their hotel, which was located three hours away.
Due to the exhaustion and logistical issues caused by the diversion, the Super Eagles have decided not to proceed with the match. NFF officials are now working on flying the team back to Nigeria.
This follows Nigeria’s narrow 1-0 victory over Libya in Uyo on Friday, with a late goal by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru securing the win.
