KEY POINTS
- Super Eagles stranded for 17 hours at Al Abraq Airport in Libya.
- Nigerian government summons Libyan chargé d’affaires over incident.
- CAF launches investigation into the situation as players refuse to play the match.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles faced severe challenges in Libya after being stranded for 17 hours at Al Abraq International Airport, following a flight diversion ahead of their AFCON Group D qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights.
The unexpected situation left players and officials without access to food, water, or basic amenities, causing outrage across the football community.
The team, initially scheduled to land at Benghazi Airport, was redirected to Al Abraq, over 200 kilometers from their intended destination. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) disclosed that the diversion, coupled with a sudden fuel embargo on their ValueJet flight, led to the team’s prolonged ordeal.
“We were left at the airport with no communication and no support,” team captain William Troost-Ekong revealed on social media, adding that players slept on iron chairs due to the lack of suitable facilities.
Nigerian government, players, and CAF respond
Frustrated by their treatment, several Super Eagles players expressed their grievances publicly.
Troost-Ekong described the situation as “disgraceful behavior,” emphasizing that the team would not proceed with the game under such conditions. “This is unacceptable. We respect our opponents when they visit Nigeria, and we expect the same,” he said.
Victor Osimhen, another player, expressed solidarity with his teammates: “I am disappointed by the treatment my brothers and coaches faced. It goes against the spirit of sportsmanship.”
According to Punch, Moses Simon and Bright Osayi-Samuel similarly highlighted the unsafe conditions, stating, “We were left without food, water, and proper safety measures.”
In response, Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar confirmed that the Libyan chargé d’affaires had been summoned. “We are in contact with the Libyan authorities to ensure the safety of the team,” Tuggar stated.
The Nigerian government also condemned the treatment through Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission. “This behavior jeopardizes the safety of our national team, and CAF must take the necessary steps,” Dabiri-Erewa noted.
Libya’s response and CAF investigation
The Libyan Football Federation denied intentional wrongdoing, attributing the diversion to logistical challenges. “Such delays can happen due to air traffic control protocols. We respect our Nigerian counterparts and regret any inconvenience caused,” the federation stated.
Meanwhile, CAF has opened an investigation into the incident. “The matter has been referred to the Disciplinary Board, and appropriate action will be taken against those responsible,” CAF confirmed.
The incident has drawn international criticism. Footballers like Patrice Evra and Emmanuel Adebayor expressed solidarity with the Super Eagles, while organizations like Human Rights Watch demanded accountability for the treatment the Nigerian players endured.
