Super Eagles Stranded in Libya: Travel Issues Threaten AFCON Qualifier Prep
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have been left stranded at Abraq International Airport in Libya, less than forty-eight hours before an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights, scheduled for Tuesday.
The Nigerian contingent had departed Uyo on Sunday morning for Libya.
However, sports journalist Tobi Adepoju revealed in a post on Sunday night that the team’s predicament began when the host nation made a last-minute diversion of their chartered flight.
He stated that the federation had secured approval for the team’s plane to land in Benghazi, just a short distance from the Benina Stadium, where the match is set to take place.
However, mid-flight, the aircraft was diverted to Abraq International Airport, a much farther location.
“The agreement and approval the NFF obtained was for the chartered flight to land in Benghazi, but the plane was unexpectedly diverted to Abraq,” Adepoju wrote.
To make matters worse, while the NFF’s transport arrangements were already in place in Benghazi, no buses were provided by the Libyan Football Association at Abraq to transport the team to their destination.
The Libyan authorities failed to provide transportation for the Super Eagles, forcing the NFF to make alternative arrangements, which the hosts reportedly hindered. Additionally, the airport gate was reportedly locked, preventing the bus from entering to pick up the team.
An insider claimed that the tactic aimed to frustrate the Nigerian team and wear them out before the match, making their preparation more difficult.
Libya currently sits at the bottom of Group D with one point, while the Super Eagles top the group with seven points, followed by Benin Republic with six points and Rwanda with two.
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