Nigeria’s Super Eagles pull out of AFCON qualifier game against Libya – Details emerge

VAM News October 14, 2024 in Sports Tagged AFCON qualifier game, Libya airport, Nigeria, super eagles - 2 Minutes

News Update

Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Monday October 14, 2024 resolved to boycott the return of Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya.

This followed obvious maltreatment by the Libyan government officials who kept and refused to clear the entire Nigerian team at the Al Abaq airport, 12 hours after they landed.

A statement by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Monday morning.

Part of the statement reads, “Super Eagles still at Al Abraq Airport 12 hours after landing in Libya!

“The delegation of Nigeria to Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya still remained at the Al Abraq Airport 12 hours after landing in Libya.

“The chartered ValueJet aircraft was, strangely and in a dangerous manner, diverted to the small airport away from Benghazi just as the pilot was completing his approach to the Benghazi Airport. We understand the Al Abraq International Airport is only used for hajj operations.

“Fatigued players and officials have remained nonplussed as the host Libyan Football Federation failed to send any reception team or even vehicles to take the delegation members from the airport to their hotel, said to be 3 hours away in Benghazi.

“The NFF made arrangements for separate vehicles for the team but the plan was unhinged by the diversion of the aircraft.

“Players have resolved not to play the match any longer as NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home.”

The NFF further explained, “The NFF was ready to book hotel rooms for players and officials close to the said airport, but we were told by all hotels approached that they have been instructed not to welcome Nigerians.

“Our aircraft crew went searching for hotel rooms, but were told the same thing.

“The captain was offered hotel room because he’s a North African but he turned it down and opted to return with the rest of the crew to the airport and sleep in the aircraft.”