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Nigeria’s senior male football team is currently stranded in Libya, where it is to play the second leg of the AFCON 2025 Qualifier game.
Following Libya’s 1-0 loss to Nigeria in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday, both teams were expected to face off again in Benina, their fourth Group D match.
The Super Eagles had departed for Libya on Sunday afternoon, but according to reports from the camp of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), an hour to landing at Benghazi, their destination, the Nigerian aircraft was diverted to Al Abraq, a city which is more than two hours drive from Benghazi.
The players and officials will now travel by road to Benghazi, the location for the return fixture.
Videos released by the NFF on Sunday night showed Nigerian players and officials trying to resolve the issue at a Libyan airport.
The Libyan authorities failed to provide transportation for the Super Eagles to get to their destination, forcing the NFF to make alternative plan, which was reportedly frustrated by their host.
The airport gate was said to have been locked to prevent them from entering.
“The tactics is targeted at frustrating the boys and wearing them out ahead of the game. They want to make it difficult for them to prepare for the match,” an insider who spoke off the record said on Sunday.
According to journalist, Adepoju Tobi Samuel, the Nigerian Football Federation’s (NFF) transport plans for the Super Eagles were disrupted during their journey to Libya.
The initial agreement and approval obtained by the NFF was for a chartered flight to land in Benghazi, a location conveniently close to Benina, just a few minutes’ drive away.
However, mid-flight, the plane was unexpectedly diverted to Abraq Airport, altering the team’s travel plans.
He tweeted, “The agreement and the approval the NFF got was for the chartered flight to land in Benghazi, a few minutes drive to Benina.
“Airborne the plane was diverted to Abraq Airport.
“The NFF transport arrangement was already in Benghazi. Despite the diversion of the plane, there were no buses provided at the Abraq Airport by the Libyan FA.
“The Super Eagles contingent has been stranded for 3+ hours and locked up at the Abraq Airport.
“NFF made another transport arrangement and they have refused to open the gates.
“Abraq Airport to Benina City is almost a three-hour drive.”
Meanwhile, Super Eagles defender, Tanimu Benjamin tweeted an update about the situation, lamenting the 4 hours spent stranded at the airport.
With one point, Libya are currently at the bottom of Group D topped by Super Eagles which have seven points followed by Benin Republic (six) and Rwanda (two).
