The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially pulled the Super Eagles out of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya following a harrowing 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport. The team, which had arrived on Sunday, was left stranded without assistance after their flight was unexpectedly diverted from Benghazi to the small airport used primarily for hajj operations.
Upon arrival, the Super Eagles were left with no transportation, as the Libyan Football Federation failed to send any reception or arrange vehicles to take the players and officials to their hotel in Benghazi, three hours away. This frustrating experience left the Nigerian delegation stuck at the airport without proper facilities or aid.
In response, the NFF released a statement on Monday, confirming that the team had decided to withdraw from the match due to the lack of support and the fatigue caused by the situation. The federation expressed concerns over the safety of the players, highlighting the dangerous mid-flight diversion and lack of communication from the hosts.
Plans are currently being made to fly the team back to Nigeria, as the Super Eagles prioritize their well-being over playing under such hostile and unsafe conditions. The NFF is also calling for further action from CAF regarding the Libyan federation's failure to meet basic hosting responsibilities.
