AFCON QUALIFIER: Libya’s last minute flight diversion puts Nigeria’s Super Eagles in trouble
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have found themselves stranded at the Abraq International Airport in Libya, less than 48 hours before their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights, scheduled for Tuesday.
The Nigerian team had departed Uyo, Nigeria, on Sunday morning for Libya, expecting a smooth journey. However, an unexpected diversion of their chartered flight left them in a difficult situation.
Sports journalist Tobi Adepoju broke the news on Sunday night, revealing that the team’s troubles began when the host nation made a last-minute change to the flight’s route.
Adepoju explained that the Nigeria Football Federation had secured approval for the plane to land in Benghazi, close to Benina Stadium, the venue for the crucial qualifier. However, during the flight, the aircraft was diverted to Abraq International Airport, which is significantly farther from their destination.
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“The agreement and approval the NFF obtained was for the chartered flight to land in Benghazi, but the plane was unexpectedly diverted to Abraq,” Adepoju reported.
The situation worsened when the team discovered that while the NFF had arranged transportation for them in Benghazi, no alternative transport was provided at Abraq by the Libyan Football Association. As a result, the Super Eagles were stranded at the airport without any means of reaching their destination.
The Nigerian team’s ordeal was further compounded when the gates at Abraq Airport were locked, preventing them from leaving.
“NFF made another transport arrangement, and they have refused to open the gates. Abraq Airport to Benina City is almost a three-hour drive,” Adepoju noted, emphasising the logistical nightmare the team was facing.
According to Adepoju, the team was informed by Libyan officials that they would be held at the airport for at least eight hours, following orders from higher authorities.
“According to the Libyan guys at the airport, they got a directive from higher authorities to delay the Nigerian contingent for 8+ hours at the airport. Airport gates are still locked, and none of the Libyan FA members are here, no buses to travel,” Adepoju added.
Footage of the Super Eagles sitting in the waiting hall of Abraq Airport has since gone viral on social media, drawing attention to their plight. A video from NFF TV showing Nigerian officials pleading with the airport authorities to unlock the gates has also gained traction online.
Despite these challenges, the Super Eagles remain in a strong position in their AFCON qualifying group. They lead Group D with seven points following a 1-0 victory over Libya in Uyo during the reverse fixture on Saturday.
The team’s focus now is on overcoming these obstacles and being ready for their crucial match against the Mediterranean Knights on Tuesday.
