How Libya’s wrong flight to Port Harcourt set tone for rift, maltreatment of Super Eagles

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are making their way back to Nigeria from Libya 48 hours earlier than expected. This is as a result of the hostile reception the first-class players who are sought after in Europe and across the world faced in the North African country.

Daily Trust had reported how the Nigerian stars were stranded in Libya for over 16 hours after their flight was diverted one hour to landing at their initial destination.

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.

The Libyan FA said their players also faced the same situation while in Nigeria for the first leg but didn’t make accusations.

“While we regret any inconvenience caused, it is essential to note that such incidents can occur due to routine air traffic control protocols, security checks, or logistical challenges that affect international air travel.

“These are standard procedures at airports worldwide, and delays or rerouting, though unfortunate, are not uncommon. We have the utmost respect for our Nigerian counterparts and want to reassure them that the diversion of their flight was not intentional.

“There are no grounds to accuse the Libyan security teams or the Libyan Football Federation of deliberately orchestrating this incident. Such actions are inconsistent with our values and principles,” LFF said in a statement.

However, an earlier tweet by @Libyatoday24, a handle which focuses on authentic information about the North African country, showed that the Nigerian team was deliberately frustrated.

“In accordance with the principle of reciprocity, the appointed government has redirected the Nigerian national team’s flight to land at Al Abraq Airport in Al Bayda, instead of Benina Airport. They will then travel by bus to Benghazi,” read the tweet, which was posted on Sunday night.

BEGINING OF THE DRAMA

Ahead of the trip to Nigeria, the NFF had made preparations for the Libyan team at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, same city that hosted Nigeria’s match against Libya. But for reasons best known to the Libyan contingent, they touched down at Port Harcourt International Airport, and made a road trip to Uyo. The team reportedly rejected the offer to make bus arrangement for them.

Libya captain, Faisal Al-Badri, claimed that the team was treated badly in Nigeria ahead of the Super Eagles’ 1-0 win, and called for ‘reciprocity’.

But speaking on News Central, the Nigeria Football Federation’s director of communications, Ademola Olajire, disclosed that the Mediterranean Knights of Libya kept their travel plans from Nigerian authorities, claiming they had prepared for their arrival in Uyo.

“We assumed correctly that the team would be landing in Uyo because the Benin Republic team that came last month landed in Uyo. It was an hour after they had been airborne and due to land in three hours, we were told that they were going to land in Port Harcourt.

“We had buses, logistics and other things planned waiting at the Victor Attah Airport in Uyo,” he said.

Olajire disclosed that the NFF secured approval for the visitors to fly from Port Harcourt to Uyo, but they opted out.

“We asked them what happened, you landed in Uyo? They told us they only had a landing permission in Port Harcourt. ‘You should have told us’. They didn’t do that,” he added.

“We looked at the possibility of difficulty they would face if they have to travel by road from Port Harcourt to Uyo. So, we moved mountains and valleys to ensure that they fly from Port Harcourt to Uyo.

“But apparently aware that they would be extra cost, they opted out of it. They didn’t want to pay extra expenses from the charter company. So, they opted to travel by road. We secure them buses but they

CAF TALKS TOUGH

The Confederation OF African Football (CAF) has vowed to investigate the incident and take appropriate action.

In a statement, it said, “CAF has been in contact with the Libyan and Nigerian authorities after it had been informed that the Nigerian National Football Team (‘’Super Eagles’’) and their technical team were stranded in disturbing conditions for several hours at an airport that they were allegedly instructed to land by the Libyan authorities.

“The matter has been referred to the CAF Disciplinary Board for investigation and appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the CAF Statutes and Regulations.”