Nigerian forward Victor Boniface has spoken out about the Super Eagles’ 12-hour torture at Libya’s Al Abraq International Airport.
The Nigerian squad in the country for a key AFCON 2025 qualifier had unexpected delays after arriving on Sunday.
Boniface expressed his frustration on X on Monday, writing, “Been at the airport for about 13 hours, no food, no Wi-Fi, no place to sleep. Africa, we can do better!”
The Super Eagles arrived in Libya for their qualifier against the host country, but their chartered ValueJet flight was redirected at the last minute from Benghazi Airport to the smaller Al Abraq International Airport, which is usually used for Hajj operations.
According to a statement issued by the Nigeria Football Federation on Monday, the diversion occurred just as the pilot was concluding his approach to Benghazi.
Despite previous agreements, the unexpected change left players and officials stranded with no welcome or transportation from the host Libyan Football Federation.
The crew was intended to be transferred to their accommodation in Benghazi, which is around three hours away, but the detour derailed those preparations.
The NFF statement added, “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, which is said to be three 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.”
