THE Super Eagles of Nigeria have decided not to play the AFCON qualifier game against Libya on Tuesday due to a frustrating 12-hour delay ordeal.
The Nigerian delegation was en route to Benghazi for the crucial qualifier when their chartered aircraft was dangerously diverted mid-flight to Al Abraq, a small airport typically reserved for hajj operations.
On getting to the airport, the team had been stranded since their arrival on Sunday afternoon as they had now spent over 12 hours at the Al Abraq International Airport in Libya.
Reacting to this, the NFF released a statement detailing the situation, explaining that the team was being delayed at the airport for over 12 hours and had been unable to reach their hotel in Benghazi, which is three hours away.
“The Nigerian delegation for Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya is still at Al Abraq Airport, 12 hours after landing. The chartered ValueJet aircraft was, strangely and in a dangerous manner, diverted to the small airport just as the pilot was completing his approach to Benghazi Airport,” the NFF stated.
The players, through captain William Troost-Ekong have made it known that they have decided to pull out of the game, which the NFF are in support of and are now making plans to return the team to Nigeria.
“Players have resolved not to play the match any longer, and NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home,” the statement concluded
Other reports suggest that Libya are returning the favour to Nigeria after they were delayed for 3 hours at Muritala Muhammed Airport and had to take a bus to Uyo during the first leg of the fixture that took place on Friday.
