- The Super Eagles are stranded in Libya after their flight was diverted, forcing them to travel overland for their AFCON qualifier match
- Nigerian officials reported that Libyan authorities failed to provide transportation for the team, complicating their preparations for the upcoming game
Nigeria’s senior national football team, the Super Eagles, is stranded in Libya, where they are set to play the second leg of their AFCON 2025 Qualifier match.
After defeating Libya 1-0 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, last Friday, both teams were scheduled to face off again in Benina for their fourth Group D match.
The Super Eagles departed for Libya on Sunday afternoon. However, reports from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) indicated that their aircraft was unexpectedly diverted to Al Abraq, a city more than two hours away from their intended destination, Benghazi, just an hour before they were set to land.
The team and officials now have to travel by road to Benghazi for the return fixture. Videos released by the NFF on Sunday night showed Nigerian players and officials at a Libyan airport attempting to resolve the issue.
The Libyan authorities failed to provide transportation for the Super Eagles, forcing the NFF to make alternative arrangements, which the hosts reportedly hindered. Additionally, the airport gate was reportedly locked, preventing the bus from entering to pick up the team.
An insider claimed that the tactic aimed to frustrate the Nigerian team and wear them out before the match, making their preparation more difficult.
Libya currently sits at the bottom of Group D with one point, while the Super Eagles top the group with seven points, followed by Benin Republic with six points and Rwanda with two.