Nigerian players and officials of the Super Eagles are currently stranded in Libya, where the second leg of the AFCON 2025 qualifier game is to take place.
Following Libya’s 1-0 loss to Nigeria in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday, both teams were expected to face off again in Benina, their fourth Group D match.
The Super Eagles had departed for Libya on Sunday afternoon, but according to reports from the camp of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), an hour to landing at Benghazi, their destination, the Nigerian aircraft was diverted to Al Abraq, a city which is more than two hours drive from Benghazi.
The players and officials will now travel by road to Benghazi, the location for the return fixture.
Videos released by the NFF on Sunday night showed Nigerian players and officials trying to resolve the issue at a Libyan airport.
According to journalist, Adepoju Tobi Samuel, the Nigerian Football Federation’s (NFF) transport plans for the Super Eagles were disrupted during their journey to Libya.
Adepoju wrote on X, “The agreement and the approval the NFF got was for the chartered flight to land in Benghazi, a few minutes drive to Benina.
“Airborne the plane was diverted to Abraq Airport.
“The NFF transport arrangement was already in Benghazi. Despite the diversion of the plane, there were no buses provided at the Abraq Airport by the Libyan FA.
“The Super Eagles contingent has been stranded for 3+ hours and locked up at the Abraq Airport.
“NFF made another transport arrangement and they have refused to open the gates.
“Abraq Airport to Benina City is almost a three-hour drive.”
Meanwhile, Super Eagles defender, Tanimu Benjamin posted an update about the situation, lamenting the 4 hours spent stranded at the airport.
Benjamin wrote, “4hrs after arrival, still at the airport. Also still have 2hrs drive to the hotel.”
The Libyan authorities failed to provide transportation for the Super Eagles to get to their destination, forcing the NFF to make alternative plan, which was reportedly frustrated by their host.
The airport gate was said to have been locked to prevent the from entering.
“The tactics is targeted at frustrating the boys and wearing them out ahead of the game. They want to make it difficult for them to prepare for the match,” an insider revealed.
Nigeria top Group D with 7 points followed by Benin Republic (6), Rwanda (2 ) and Libya (1)
