NFF withdraws from Libya match, plans to fly Super Eagles home

Posted : 14 October 2024

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially withdrawn the Super Eagles from the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya, following an arduous 12-hour experience at Al Abraq International Airport. The decision came after the team faced significant difficulties while trying to reach Benghazi for the important match.

The issues began when the Super Eagles' chartered flight was unexpectedly redirected mid-journey to Al Abraq, a smaller airport primarily designated for hajj operations. This diversion not only disrupted the travel schedule but also left the team stranded without any support from the Libyan Football Federation, which failed to provide adequate transportation upon their arrival.

According to a statement released by the NFF, the Nigerian delegation was forced to remain at the airport for over 12 hours. They were unable to reach their designated hotel in Benghazi, which is located approximately three hours away from Al Abraq Airport. The federation expressed its frustration over the lack of assistance from Libyan officials during this difficult situation.

The NFF highlighted the negligence shown by their Libyan counterparts, noting that no reception team or vehicles were sent to help the delegation make their way to their accommodation. This lack of support only added to the exhaustion and frustration felt by the players and officials after a long journey.

In light of the circumstances, the players decided to withdraw from the match entirely. The federation indicated that arrangements were being made to fly the team back to Nigeria instead of proceeding with the qualifier. The NFF’s statement underscored their disappointment with how the situation was handled.

The statement detailed the bizarre circumstances surrounding the flight diversion, emphasizing that the chartered ValueJet aircraft was diverted as it was nearing its destination. The NFF also criticized the lack of foresight in planning for such travel contingencies, especially given the team's status and the importance of the AFCON qualifier.

The NFF’s decision to pull the Super Eagles from the match against Libya reflects a deep concern for the players' welfare and the need for proper arrangements in international fixtures. The federation remains committed to ensuring that such issues do not recur in future engagements.

NFF withdraws from Libya match, plans to fly Super Eagles home

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