The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the withdrawal of the Super Eagles from their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya, initially scheduled for Tuesday, October 15. This decision follows a 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport, where the Nigerian team was stranded since arriving in Libya on Sunday afternoon, October 13.
The Nigerian delegation was on its way to Benghazi for the crucial match when their chartered flight was unexpectedly diverted to Al Abraq, a smaller airport typically used for hajj operations. The sudden diversion left the team stranded, with no assistance offered by the Libyan Football Federation.
In an official statement on Monday, the NFF expressed frustration over the situation, explaining that the ValueJet aircraft carrying the team was dangerously diverted mid-flight just as it was nearing Benghazi Airport. “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 statement read.
The stranded Super Eagles players, fatigued and frustrated after hours of waiting, have resolved not to participate in the match. NFF officials are now making arrangements to fly the team back to Nigeria.
With this decision, the NFF has effectively pulled the Super Eagles out of the fixture, prioritizing the players' well-being after the challenging experience. The NFF continues to work on securing a safe return for the team back to Nigeria.
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