Super Eagles prepare to board flight back to Nigeria after enduring a catastrophic 15-hour ordeal at Abraq Airport.
The Super Eagles stranded at Abraq Airport in Libya situation continues to worsen, with fans and players across the globe reacting.
The Nigerian team, originally due to play an AFCON qualifier return leg in Benghazi, have been stranded due to an unexpected flight diversion and logistical misadventures.
Libyan Federation’s Response
The Libyan Football Federation acknowledged the incident in an official statement, saying it ‘is deeply concerned about the diversion.’
The issue was due to ‘routine air traffic control protocols,’ they said, and they regret any inconvenience caused.
The statement read: “We want to emphasize that these incidents can occur due to routine air traffic control protocols.”
But the explanation has failed to ease the tensions as the Super Eagles’ situation remains unresolved.
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Super Eagles heading back to Nigeria.
In a major twist, it seems the Super Eagles may pull out of the game altogether.
The Nigerian squad is boarding a flight back home, an update from a CAF and FIFA-accredited photojournalist Adepoju Tobi Samuel via X (formerly Twitter).
👌 https://t.co/O6MpiyAHs5 pic.twitter.com/xCnAYHDl8T
— Adepoju Tobi Samuel 🇳🇬 (@OgaNlaMedia) October 14, 2024
His post read: “We are about to board to Nigeria.” Hopefully further updates will drop, and the Internet has been hell.” That suggests the return leg won’t take place as scheduled in Bangladesh.
AFCON Qualification in Limbo
The match is high stakes, as Nigeria are on the verge of booking their place in the upcoming AFCON tournament.
Meanwhile, Libya, with one point in the group, are out if they fail to win. The situation is developing, and it’s unclear whether the Super Eagles will return for the match or if it will be rescheduled.
