The Super Eagles of Nigeria are currently on their way back to the country following the stalemate in Libya.
Daily Trust had reported how the Nigerian stars have been stranded in the North African Country for over 16 hours.
Following Nigeria’s defeat of Libya in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday, a return leg for the ongoing AFCON 2025 Qualifier was fixed for Benghazi, Libya, on Tuesday.
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However, the flight was diverted from the their initial destination about an hour to landing.
The Nigerian players had to land at the Al Abraq International Airport, which is only used for hajj operations.
After landing, the NFF made arrangements for the trip by road to the venue of the match following the absence of officials of the Libyan Football Federation.
However, officials at the airport did not allow the chartered bus to enter the airport.
Following the developments, the Super Eagles have resolved not to play the match any longer but to return home.
William Troost-Ekong, Super Eagles captain, who has been providing updates on the Libya ordeal via X, just tweeted that they were about leaving Libya.
“Apparently our plane is being fueled as we speak and we should be leaving to Nigeria shortly. Thanks for everyone’s support!” he posted, adding, “I REITERATE: We would NEVER treat a guest nation for a game in this way. Mistakes happen, delays happen. But never on purpose!”
Also, a handle tweeting about Libyan issues confirmed that the Nigerian team was on its way out.
“The Nigerian national team mission is now receiving boarding passes to return to Nigeria from Labraq Airport and take off shortly,” it tweeted.
Earlier, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had given reason to boycott the return leg of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya.
In a statement, Ademola Olajire, communication officer at the NFF, had explained that the decision was as a result of the obvious maltreatment by the Libyan government officials who kept and refused to clear the entire Nigerian team at the Al Abaq airport.
“The fatigued players and officials have remained nonplussed. This is 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, 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,” he said.
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