- Super Eagles faced dehumanizing treatment in Libya, stranded for over 16 hours after their flight was diverted, with no food provided
- The Nigerian community in Eastern Libya aided the team, delivering breakfast after the Nigerian Ambassador’s intervention during their challenging ordeal
Ademola Olajire, the Director of Communications for the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), has shared details on how the Super Eagles players and officials were able to get food during their challenging experience in Libya.
The Nigerian team endured dehumanizing treatment after their chartered flight was diverted to Al Abaq International Airport, leaving them stranded for over 16 hours.
The Nigerian delegation returned to the Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, on Monday evening, following the federal government’s decision to bring the team back pending an investigation by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) into the situation.
After Nigeria’s victory over Libya in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the Super Eagles were scheduled to play a return leg for the AFCON 2025 Qualifier in Benghazi.
However, instead of landing at Benina International Airport, their flight was diverted to Al Abaq Airport, typically used for Hajj operations.
To make matters worse, no Libyan Football Federation (LFF) officials were present to welcome the Nigerian team as protocol dictates, leaving the players stranded.
Olajire explained that the Nigerian community in Eastern Libya came to the team’s aid during this ordeal. Maurice Eromosele, president of the Nigerian community, brought breakfast for the team after receiving instructions from the Nigerian Ambassador to Libya, Alhaji Muhammad Muhammad.
Eromosele arrived with croissants and drinks, which provided much-needed relief to the players and officials who had spent the night in the airport departure lounge.
The NFF is awaiting the outcome of CAF’s investigation into the incident.