Super Eagles interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen briefly addressed the Libya airport incident, saying he might find it hard to control his words if he delves too deeply into the ordeals he and his players endured.
The aircraft carrying the Nigerian contingent, initially scheduled to land at Benghazi airport, was suddenly redirected to Al Abraq airport, located about three hours from the planned destination.
The entire Nigerian crew was detained at this location for over 17 hours without proper hospitality or reception, leading the Super Eagles players to boycott the game.
Pay Attention: Get the best tips from our Bet of the Day
The team was subsequently awarded three points, and Libya was fined $50,000 after the Nigerian Football Federation lodged an official complaint with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), as per Oganlamedia on X.
Eguavoen speaks on Libya airport incident
Eguavoen was asked about the incident in his Benin vs. Nigeria pre-match conference, but the 59-year-old coach took a diplomatic approach, avoiding detailed discussion of the traumatic experience.
“I’m going to keep it very short. Normally, football or sports is a unifying factor; normally it’s entertainment to unite people, but I’ll leave it like that.
“I don’t want to go back to what happened in Libya; otherwise, I’ll be saying things I don’t want to say, so please, it has passed. Let’s move forward,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles will look to take all three points as they prepare to face Benin Republic on Thursday evening, aiming to secure a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco.
