Libya Travel Woes: Super Eagles’ AFCON Match in Jeopardy

Image Source: guardian.ng

The Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national football team, were scheduled to compete against Libya in a crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier in Benghazi on Tuesday. However, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) revealed that the players opted out of the match. According to an Instagram post by the NFF, the team was left stranded overnight at Al Abraq airport near Al Bayda, Libya. This occurred when their chartered Value Jet aircraft was redirected from its intended landing at Benghazi Airport to Al Abraq International Airport, primarily used for hajj operations.

The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) failed to provide a reception team or transportation from the airport to the team’s hotel in Benghazi, exacerbating the situation. Although transportation arrangements had been initially made, they were canceled due to the unexpected flight diversion. The LFF denied any deliberate diversion of the flight and refuted accusations of foul play or sabotage.

Previously, the NFF had countered allegations of mistreatment in Nigeria made by Libyan captain Faisal Al-Badri, accusing the LFF of instigating chaos for the Nigerian team. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) issued a statement confirming the Nigerian team and their technical staff were stranded at an airport designated by Libyan authorities. The situation has been escalated to the CAF Disciplinary Board for further investigation.

Defender William Troost-Ekong described the ordeal as “mind games” and criticized the treatment received in Libya. The team eventually returned to Nigeria. It remains uncertain what repercussions might arise if the match does not take place. The Super Eagles had previously secured a 1-0 victory against Libya in Nigeria and currently lead Group D with 7 points, while Libya remains at the bottom with just one point.

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Lebone

I hold a Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies from Damelin, where I gained a solid foundation in various aspects of media communication and reporting. My experience includes writing travel articles for “What’s On In Mzansi,” where I had the opportunity to explore and share insights about South Africa’s diverse attractions and cultures. In addition to my writing, I have also worked as a radio host, where I developed my skills in engaging audiences and delivering compelling content. This combination of education and practical experience has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the media landscape and storytelling techniques.

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