Nigerian Super Eagles refuse to play AFCON qualifier after 12 hours stuck at Libyan airport
The Nigeria national football team, the Super Eagles, have withdrawn from their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Libya after being stranded for over 12 hours at Al Abraq Airport in Libya.
This was confirmed in a statement by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday, October 14.
The team arrived at Al Abraq Airport on Sunday, October 13, in preparation for their crucial AFCON qualifier scheduled for Tuesday, October 15, against Libya.
Initially, the Nigerian delegation was headed to Benghazi, where the match was to take place, but their chartered flight was unexpectedly diverted to Al Abraq—a small airport mostly used for hajj operations.
“The Nigerian delegation for Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya is still at Al Abraq Airport, 12 hours after landing. The chartered ValueJet aircraft was, strangely and in a dangerous manner, diverted to the small airport just as the pilot was completing his approach to Benghazi Airport,” the NFF said in their statement.
Frustrated by the delay and poor treatment, the Super Eagles players have resolved not to participate in the match. The NFF described the situation as dangerous, highlighting the team’s fatigue and growing frustration.
Some players have voiced their grievances on social media, sharing the challenges they faced while stranded in the unfamiliar airport.
WIlliam Troost-Ekong, team captain
Victor Boniface, forward for German side Bayer 04 Leverkusen
The fate of the AFCON qualifying match remains unclear as the Nigerian team prepares to return home without playing the crucial fixture.
