The Super Eagles of Nigeria find themselves stranded at Al Abraq Airport for over 12 hours after their arrival in Libya for the 2025 AFCON qualifier.
Their chartered ValueJet aircraft was unexpectedly rerouted to this smaller airport just as it was nearing Benghazi, an unsettling situation that raised concerns among players and officials, Footballrover reports.
Upon landing, the delegation encountered a troubling absence of support from the Libyan Football Federation, which failed to provide any reception team or transportation for the team members.
Reports indicate that the hotel accommodation planned for the players is situated a daunting three hours away in Benghazi, adding to the growing frustration.
Fatigued and bewildered, the Super Eagles have collectively decided to withdraw from the match against Libya in response to these conditions.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had attempted to organise vehicles to transport the team, but these plans fell apart due to the aircraft’s unexpected diversion.
Despite the NFF’s efforts to secure nearby hotel rooms for the players, they were met with resistance as local establishments reportedly received instructions not to accommodate Nigerians.
The captain of the aircraft even chose to forgo a hotel room offer and instead opted to stay with the rest of the crew, highlighting the disheartening situation.
Super Eagles captain, Ekong has suggested that the team won't accept to play under these conditions that was done on purpose to Nigeria. pic.twitter.com/B3whCuBTLK
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) October 14, 2024
As tensions mount, the Super Eagles are now focused on their return home, leaving the fate of their match against Libya in serious doubt.
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