The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has withdrawn the Super Eagles from Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.
This decision follows a harrowing 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya.
The team’s chartered aircraft was unexpectedly diverted mid-flight to Al Abraq, a small airport typically used for hajj operations, instead of Benghazi Airport.
Stranded without assistance from the Libyan Football Federation, players and officials spent over 12 hours at the airport, unable to reach their hotel in Benghazi, three hours away.
In a statement, the NFF described the chaotic situation:
“The Nigerian delegation landed at Al Abraq Airport 12 hours ago and remains stranded. The chartered ValueJet aircraft was dangerously diverted mid-flight, despite the pilot’s approach to Benghazi Airport.
“Players have resolved not to play the match any longer, and NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home.”
