The Super Eagles of Nigeria faced a turbulent welcome upon their arrival in Libya ahead of their AFCON 2025 qualifier reverse fixture. The Nigerian delegation was subjected to inhumane treatment after their flight, originally scheduled to land in Benghazi, was diverted to Al Abaq, a city located 250 kilometers away from the match venue. According to the Super Eagles’ Media Officer, Promise Efoghe, the plane was just an hour from its destination when it was redirected, forcing the team to take a two-hour road trip under uncomfortable conditions.
Upon landing, the Super Eagles and their officials were held hostage for four hours at the Al Abaq Airport, unable to leave the terminal. Tensions rose as security personnel, including police and aviation authorities, prevented the Nigerian delegation from proceeding to their accommodation. A member of the Nigerian delegation shared footage of the chaotic scene, confirming the rowdy atmosphere at the airport. This incident appears to be a deliberate act by the Libyan authorities, in retaliation for misinformation passed on by the captain of the Mediterranean Knights, Faisal Al-Badri, about the treatment of the Libyan team during their previous visit to Nigeria.
Flight Diverted to Another City, Delays Preparation
The Nigerian delegation’s journey to Libya took an unexpected turn when their chartered flight was diverted from Benghazi to Al Abaq. The change in plans came just an hour before the aircraft was scheduled to land, further complicating preparations for the crucial AFCON 2025 qualifier. This diversion added a two-hour road journey from Al Abaq to Benina, the match venue. The situation is reminiscent of what it would have been like if the Super Eagles had been diverted to Tripoli, another two-hour drive from the game’s location.
Prior to their arrival, Libyan media had hinted at the possibility of such treatment, with reports emerging of plans to create difficulties for the Nigerian team based on allegations that the Libyan delegation was mistreated in Nigeria. The Libyans claimed that their team had been subjected to subpar transportation conditions, being transferred between cities in a non-air-conditioned bus. While there has been no confirmation from Nigerian officials regarding these allegations, the diversion of the Nigerian flight seems to have been a strategic move on the part of Libyan authorities.
No Response from NFF as Super Eagles Prepare for Key Match
As of press time, there has been no official response from the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) regarding the mistreatment of the Super Eagles in Libya. The Nigerian team is currently preparing for the reverse fixture against the Mediterranean Knights, who are bottom of the group with just one point from three matches. The Super Eagles, sitting atop the table with seven points, are set to face their Libyan counterparts at the 10,000-capacity Benina stadium, located just outside Benghazi.
The artificial pitch at the stadium, combined with the psychological toll of their delayed journey and hostile reception, poses a significant challenge for the Nigerian team. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. Nigerian time, and the Super Eagles will need to maintain their focus despite the off-field distractions if they hope to secure their place in the AFCON 2025 tournament. The Nigerian team, renowned for their resilience, will look to put the chaotic airport ordeal behind them as they prepare for this crucial fixture.
Crucial Match for AFCON Qualification
The stakes are high as both teams prepare to face off once again. Nigeria currently leads the group with seven points and a win against Libya would secure their place in the upcoming AFCON tournament in Morocco. On the other hand, Libya’s hopes of qualification are slim, with only one point from three matches. A loss for the Mediterranean Knights would effectively end their chances of advancing to the prestigious biennial tournament.
Despite the attempts to unsettle them, the Super Eagles are determined to let their football do the talking on the pitch. Nigerian player Tanimu Benjamin expressed the team’s confidence on social media, posting on X: “Libya una well done. But we go still collect our point, no matter wetin una go do.” As the match approaches, the tension is palpable, and all eyes will be on the Super Eagles as they aim to overcome the adversity and secure their place in AFCON 2024.
