The Super Eagles were stranded for 12 hours in Libya after an airport diversion, prompting intervention from Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Nigerian Foreign Ministry is working to resolve the situation involving the Super Eagles, who were stranded at Al Abraq Airport in Libya.
The team’s flight was unexpectedly diverted ahead of their AFCON qualifier against Libya, leaving them without assistance for over 12 hours.
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that it is closely monitoring the situation involving the Super Eagles, who were left stranded at Al Abraq Airport in Libya.
The Nigerian football team, en route to Benghazi for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, encountered unexpected travel disruptions when their flight was diverted mid-air to a smaller airport.
The Super Eagles, who were meant to land in Benghazi ahead of their match against Libya, were instead diverted to Al Abraq, a location usually reserved for hajj operations.
With no assistance from the Libyan Football Federation, the Nigerian players and officials were left stranded for over 12 hours without basic supplies.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, responded swiftly via his X handle, confirming that efforts were underway to address the issue.
He revealed that through contact with the Nigerian Mission in Tripoli and the Head of the Nigerian Community in Benghazi, supplies and internet access were provided to the team early Monday morning.
However, Tuggar lamented that Libyan authorities had not yet authorised the team’s travel to Bayda City, where the airport is located, complicating efforts to resolve the situation.
Despite the delay, the Foreign Ministry remains in close contact with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and Libyan authorities.
Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, expressed his frustration over the ordeal, calling it “disgraceful behaviour.”
He criticised the Libyan government for rescinding the team’s landing approval in Benghazi without reason and leaving them without food, phone connections, or any assistance.
The situation has sparked widespread criticism, with many Nigerians urging the immediate withdrawal of the team and calling on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to address the issue more promptly.
As the Super Eagles await further developments, the Nigerian government is continuing diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation and ensure the team’s safe passage.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
