The Nigerian Super Eagles have departed Libya after being held hostage for over 15 hours at Al Abraq International Airport.
The team’s ordeal began on Sunday afternoon when their chartered aircraft was unexpectedly diverted mid-flight to the small airport, typically reserved for hajj operations.
The Super Eagles were en route to Benghazi for the crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya when their flight was diverted. The team was left stranded without assistance from the Libyan Football Federation, which failed to provide transportation to their hotel in Benghazi, three hours away.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), in a statement, revealed that the team remained at the airport for over 12 hours.
“The Nigerian delegation for Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya is still at Al Abraq Airport, 12 hours after landing,” the NFF stated. “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 fatigued and frustrated players resolved not to play the match, citing concerns over their safety and well-being.
It can be recalled that the Nigerian team defeated the Libyan team 1:0 in Uyo, last week.
