Nigeria’s Super Eagles Held Hostage at Libyan Airport Amid Tensions Ahead of AFCON Qualifier

The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, faced an unexpected and hostile reception upon their arrival in Libya for their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against the Mediterranean Knights. In what seemed like an orchestrated move to frustrate the Nigerian team, their chartered flight was suddenly diverted from its original destination, Benghazi, to the remote Abraq Airport.

Despite previous agreements and official approvals, the team was left stranded at the airport without transportation or any representative from the Libyan Football Association (FA) to welcome them. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) had arranged for buses at Benghazi, but the diversion left the Super Eagles stuck at Abraq for over five hours, with local authorities reportedly locking the airport gates. NFF officials were forced to scramble to find alternative transport arrangements, as higher authorities in Libya allegedly directed delays for over eight hours. This unprecedented situation left the Nigerian contingent frustrated and in limbo, raising concerns about the motives behind the sudden diversion.

Accusations of Retaliation from Libyan Camp

This tense situation follows accusations from Libya’s captain, Faisal Al-Badri, who claimed that the Libyan team had received poor treatment when they visited Nigeria for the first leg of the qualifier. Al-Badri criticized the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) for not providing the Libyan side with adequate hospitality upon their arrival in Nigeria. However, the NFF quickly denied these allegations, stating that the Libyan team had made last-minute changes to their travel plans, which were communicated to Nigerian authorities just three hours before landing.

The first leg, held in Uyo, Nigeria, saw the Super Eagles secure a narrow 1-0 victory over the Mediterranean Knights. As the teams prepare for the return leg at the Benina Stadium in Libya, the ongoing friction between the two sides has only added to the tension surrounding the crucial AFCON qualifier. While Libya seems intent on creating a hostile environment for Nigeria, the Super Eagles remain focused on the task ahead and unfazed by the challenges off the pitch.

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.

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.