The Super Eagles of Nigeria have found themselves in a precarious situation, stranded at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya just days before their crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Libyan national team. The chaos began when the team’s chartered flight was unexpectedly diverted, leading to significant delays and frustrations.
How It All Started
The trouble began when the Libyan national team booked a flight to Port Harcourt instead of Uyo, only notifying the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) of their flight schedule two hours before arrival. This miscommunication led to logistical challenges for both teams. The NFF scrambled to arrange an alternative flight for the Libyan team, but they opted to travel by road to Uyo instead, citing extra costs.
As the Super Eagles traveled to Libya, their chartered flight was supposed to land in Benghazi, where they were set to play. However, about an hour before landing, the aircraft was diverted to Al Abraq, a city over two hours away from their intended destination. This diversion left the Nigerian delegation stranded at the airport for over four hours without transport or proper accommodations.
Stranded and Frustrated
Upon landing, players and officials were held at the airport, unable to leave due to bureaucratic delays. Videos shared on social media showed the team sitting in groups, visibly frustrated and exhausted after a long journey. Defender Tanimu Benjamin tweeted about their predicament, stating, “4 hours after arrival, still at the airport… Also still have a 2-hour drive to the hotel.”
Captain William Troost-Ekong later confirmed that the players had resolved not to play the match under such conditions, declaring, “We have self-respect; under these conditions, we won’t play.” This decision reflects a growing sentiment among players regarding their treatment during this trip.
Hostile Reception and Allegations
The situation has raised eyebrows regarding the treatment of African teams during international competitions. Reports indicate that this incident may be linked to previous grievances expressed by the Libyan team about their reception in Nigeria during the first leg of their qualifiers. Allegations of poor treatment have circulated, with Libyan media claiming they were subjected to delays and inadequate arrangements during their trip to Nigeria.
Conclusion
As it stands, the Super Eagles are facing not only logistical challenges but also significant emotional strain as they prepare for an important match against Libya. The NFF is under pressure to address these issues promptly, as fans and analysts alike watch closely for updates on this developing situation. With tensions high and self-respect at stake, it remains uncertain how this will impact Nigeria’s chances in the AFCON qualifiers.
