The Super Eagles squad has been stranded at Abraq Airport, Libya, ahead of the return leg of their crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya.
The team’s chartered flight from Benghazi to Abraq was unexpectedly diverted, and despite prior arrangements and approvals, it resulted in significant delays and confusion.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had arranged for transportation in Benghazi, but the sudden switch meant there were no buses for the players, staff, and officials provided by the Libyan Football Association.
Tensions are mounting ahead of the high-stakes match, and the team has been stranded at the airport for more than 10 hours, according to Yabaleftonline on X.
Super Eagles players, staff and NFF officials have been locked and stranded at the Abraq airport, Libya for 10 hours and still counting. pic.twitter.com/wwzto5cb3C
— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) October 14, 2024
AFCON Qualification at Stake
Libya are bottom of the group with just one point from three matches, while Nigeria is top with seven points.
The Super Eagles’ qualification for AFCON 2025 in Morocco could be secured with a victory in the return leg. But Libya’s qualification hopes would be ended by a defeat.
The match is of huge significance for both teams, and the delay at the airport could jeopardize Nigeria’s preparations.
NFF officials are now scrambling to make alternative arrangements after local Libyan authorities claimed they received orders to delay the movement of the Nigerian team.
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A Retaliation on the Super Eagles?
However, accusations from Libya’s captain, Faisal Al-Badri, who had previously accused the NFF of mistreating the Libyan team on arrival for the first leg in Nigeria, make the situation more complicated.
But the NFF said these claims were unfounded, saying Libya’s arrival plans had been changed at the last minute, only three hours before landing.
The Super Eagles beat the Mediterranean Knights 1-0 in the first leg in Uyo and now play the decisive return match at Benina Stadium in Benghazi.
