The Nigerian government has summoned Libya’s Chargé d’Affaires following the Super Eagles' ordeal, after their flight was diverted and they were left stranded in Libya. Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, addressed the issue on Monday, October 14, 2024, emphasizing that the situation was being treated with urgency.
Tuggar confirmed that the Nigerian authorities were in direct communication with the Super Eagles, who were stuck at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya. Officials from Nigeria’s mission in Libya were dispatched to provide assistance.
“This is an unfortunate situation. The Super Eagles flew to Libya for a match, but their plane was diverted to a different airport, one without adequate aviation fuel,” Tuggar said. “We have ensured they are provided with water and made arrangements for their departure. The Libyan authorities must address this incident seriously."
After more than 14 hours stranded, the Super Eagles and their staff finally boarded their aircraft and left Libya. The chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, confirmed this on social media, wishing the team a safe journey back to Nigeria.
The Nigerian team had travelled to Libya for the return leg of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifier, after beating Libya in Uyo, Nigeria, a few days earlier. However, their chartered flight was diverted to Al Abraq International Airport, primarily used for hajj operations, an hour before their scheduled landing in Benghazi. Upon landing, logistical complications arose, including delays in refueling and a lack of transportation for the team.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) filed a formal complaint with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), announcing the team's decision to boycott the match due to the challenges they faced in Libya. Former Super Eagles star and African Footballer of the Year, Victor Ikpeba, who accompanied the team, condemned the treatment they received, supporting the decision to withdraw from the match.
“If CAF knows its responsibilities, Libya should face serious sanctions. This country is high-risk, and I’ve never seen such treatment in all my years playing for the Super Eagles,” Ikpeba told AFP.
He added that the team had been held at the airport like “hostages” for more than 10 hours, with safety concerns raised for both the players and officials.
In response, the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) issued a statement via social media, attributing the incident to logistical issues and air traffic protocols, rejecting any allegations of sabotage. The LFF pointed out that the Libyan team had also faced challenges when they traveled to Nigeria for the first leg of the AFCON qualifier but refrained from making public accusations.
The LFF expressed regret over the 15-hour delay faced by the Nigerian team but emphasized that such logistical difficulties were common in international travel. They reaffirmed their commitment to treating visiting teams with respect and urged for mutual understanding to resolve the matter peacefully, reiterating football’s role in fostering unity between nations.
The NFF has called on CAF to take action and review the circumstances surrounding the incident. Meanwhile, the Super Eagles have returned safely to Nigeria.
