Chidera Ejuke has opened up about the Super Eagles’ harrowing experience in Libya, where he and his teammates found themselves trapped in an unexpected and dire situation ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights, which was later called off.
What was supposed to be a routine trip turned into a nightmare, as the Nigerian national team faced an ordeal that required them to rely on just two things to survive,Β Footballrover reports.
In the midst of mounting fear and uncertainty, Ejuke shared how they managed to stay calm and survive the terrifying experience.
For Ejuke, it was an unforgettable chapter in his return to international duty after a long absence from the Super Eagles squad.
Unfortunately, his long-awaited call-up came with a situation he would rather erase from memory.
Super Eagles stranded at Libyan airport, fixture cancelled
The trouble began when the Super Eagles departed Nigeria for Benghazi, only for their flight to be unexpectedly diverted.
To make matters worse, upon arrival, the Nigerian squad was denied entry to their hotel, forcing the team to remain stranded at Abraq Airport, completely unprepared for the upcoming match.
With no access to proper accommodation or training facilities, the Nigerian Football Federation eventually decided to decline CAF President Patrice Motsepeβs plea to go ahead with the fixture, leading to its cancellation.
During the chaos, Sevilla made attempts to withdraw both Ejuke and his teammate Kelechi Iheanacho from the squad, but ultimately the players remained stranded until their eventual return to Nigeria.
Now back in training with Sevilla, Ejuke has reflected on the ordeal, describing the intense experience in an interview with Diario de Sevilla.
Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidera Ejuke are back in Seville after the chaos in Libya π±πΎ pic.twitter.com/wBx8CZsHBJ
— @πΌπ»π²π·πΌπ―πΉπ²πππ―πΌπ (@OneJoblessBoy) October 16, 2024
“It was a crazy situation that we did not expect. We could not do anything; we were locked in the airport,” Ejuke recounted.
“We were locked in for about 16 hours. Yes, it was a long time. Without food, we brought some water when we came from Nigeria and some snacks from the flight.
“We were a little scared, but we all stood together so that we wouldn’t go crazy.”
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