- The unexpected diversion left players and officials stranded without any assistance from the Libyan Football Federation, which failed to provide transportation.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have threatened to boycott the second leg of Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya.
This followed alleged maltreatment of the Nigeria’s contingent for the match by the Libyan government officials who kept and refused to clear the entire team at the Al Abaq Airport, 12 hours after they landed.
A statement by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday morning read: “Super Eagles still at Al Abraq Airport 12 hours after landing in Libya!
“The delegation of Nigeria to Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya still remained at the Al Abraq Airport 12 hours after landing in Libya.
“The chartered ValueJet aircraft was, strangely and in a dangerous manner, diverted to the small airport away from Benghazi just as the pilot was completing his approach to the Benghazi Airport. We understand the Al Abraq International Airport is only used for hajj operations.
“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, said to be 3 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.”