The Super Eagles, Nigeria’s senior men’s national football team, along with their officials, were held at Al Abaq Airport upon their arrival in Libya, according to a statement released by the team’s media crew late Sunday night.
In a video shared by the media team, players and officials were seen stranded, with their luggage beside them, as Libyan airport authorities appeared indifferent to their situation, conversing in Arabic.The Eagles departed Nigeria on Sunday morning, en route to Libya for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights.
Initially scheduled to fly into Tripoli and then travel by road to Benghazi, the team opted for a direct flight with a brief stopover in Kano to minimize fatigue. However, just an hour before landing, their flight was diverted to Al Abaq, a city located more than two hours from their intended destination of Benghazi.
“About an hour before landing, the Nigerian aircraft, while approaching its destination, Benghazi, was diverted to another city, more than a two-hour drive away,” the Super Eagles media team reported. “Libyan authorities held the Super Eagles and officials hostage at Al Abaq airport.
“The Super Eagles are preparing for the second leg of their qualifying match against Libya, set for Tuesday, October 15, at the 10,000-capacity Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benina, near Benghazi.
Nigeria previously secured a 1-0 win in the first leg on Friday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, thanks to a late goal from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Cape Verdean referee Delgado Santos Rocha Lenine to officiate the second leg, assisted by Djêry Gomes Lopes and Jorge Santos Fonseca Aritson. Burkina Faso’s Hamidou Diero will serve as the fourth official, with Somali Amir Abdi Hassan as match commissioner. Malian Dramane Dante will act as the referee assessor, and Algerian official Rachid Medjiba will oversee the event’s security.
