Eagles return with tales of woe after 20-hour Libya nightmare

It was a show of shame at the Al Abraq Airport in Al Abraq, Libya, from Sunday to Monday as players and officials of Nigeria’s senior men’s national team were held hostage by Libyan authorities upon their arrival in the country ahead of Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifying Group D clash with the Mediterranean Knights.

The Nigerian contingent was stranded for over 20 hours without food or water and completely shut out of the world.

Nigeria had flown into Libya on Sunday afternoon but were diverted to the Al Abraq Airport, which is over 200 km and three and a half hours drive away from the planned camp site instead of Benghazi Airport, their original destination.

According to the account, it all started when the Libyan authorities abruptly refused to supply jet fuel to ValueJet, the official carrier for the Super Eagles, culminating in the Nigerian team being stranded.

The reasons for the fuel embargo remain unclear, but it sparked outrage among Nigerians as well as the international community, which viewed the situation as an unnecessary obstruction to the national team’s plans for the game that was eventually abandoned.

Airport Nightmare

In a disturbing video posted by the Eagles media team, the players and officials, along with their luggage, were left stranded at the airport, with the Libyan airport officials indifferent to their plight and conversing in Arabic.

Some players were captured sleeping on the iron chairs at the terminal while others slept in sitting postures.

The Al Abraq International Airport, typically used for hajj operations, lacked basic amenities, leaving players and officials tired and frustrated. No reception team or vehicles were provided by the Libyan Football Federation, forcing the Nigeria Football Federation to arrange separate transportation.

Players lament ordeal

Some tired and fatigued Super Eagles players took to social media accounts to decry the unpalatable situation as follows:

Troost-Ekong: “12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Libya after our plane was diverted whilst descending. The Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason.

“They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without phone connection, food, or drink. All to play mind games.

“I’ve experienced stuff before playing away in Africa, but this is disgraceful behaviour. Even the Tunisian pilot, who thankfully managed to navigate the last-minute change to an airport not fit for our plane to land, had never seen something like this before.

“Upon arrival, he tried to find a nearby airport to rest with his crew, but he was denied at every hotel again under government instruction. He could sleep there, but NO Nigerian crew members were allowed. They have returned to now sleep on the plane, which is parked up.

“At this point, we have called for our Nigerian government to intervene and rescue us. As the captain, together with the team, we have decided that we will not play this game. CAF should look at the report and what is happening here.

“Even if they decide to allow this kind of behaviour, let them have the points. We will not accept to travel anywhere by road here, even with security; it’s not safe. We can only imagine what the hotel or food would be like given to us IF we continued.

“We respect ourselves and respect our opponents when they are our guests in Nigeria. Mistakes happen, but these things on purpose have nothing to do with [international] football.”

Moses Simon: “Super Eagles weathering the situation in Libya as we are held hostage.”

Bright Osayi-Samuel: “I’ve been stuck in a random Libyan airport for 15 hours with no guarantee of health and safety… We can do better.”

Stanley Nwabali: “Over 14 hours spent at an abandoned Libyan airport. No food, no water, no internet access—tthis is absolutely crazy! #CAF_Online, please do the needful.”

Victor Boniface: “Been at the airport for almost 13 hours, no food, no Wi-Fi, nowhere to sleep. Africa, we can do better. This is getting scary now. You guys can have the point; we just want to return to our country.”

Victor Osimhen: “I am disappointed by the unfair treatment my brothers and coaches faced at the Libyan airport last night. Actions like this go against the spirit of sportsmanship. My support is with my team, and I know they’ll stay strong despite these obstacles.”

Leon Balogun: “I call on CAF and other football bodies to intervene, as my teammates and officials are still stranded at the airport in Libya. This is uncalled for and inhumane. We stand together, stronger than ever.

“Surely you’re going to investigate thoroughly and take action, right? Whoever is responsible for these needs to be held accountable. This is unacceptable!!”

FG reacts

The Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in a statement, condemned the unfortunate development. “Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, has condemned the treatment meted out to the Super Eagles team by Libyan authorities ahead of its second leg match slated for Tuesday in the country.

“She noted that travelling by road in Libya is most dangerous and totally not advisable because of the current situation in the country.

“Dabiri-Erewa said the safety of Nigerian players is paramount to the country and was optimistic that the Ministry of Sports and the NFF will advise appropriately.

“She also called on CAF to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves,” the statement read in part.

In the same vein, the federal government, through the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed that the Libyan chargé d’affaires had been summoned for clarifications regarding the hostage.

“We have summoned the Libyan chargé d’affaires,” Tuggar confirmed on Monday.

“Suffice it to say that we have established contact with them. We’ve sent people from the mission to go there. They are in touch with the delegation.

“Now I am also communicating directly with the chairman, and since last night, we’ve been on the phone with the chargé d’affaires because Libya doesn’t have an ambassador here.”

Sports Minister reacts

In a lengthy post, the sports minister, John Enoh, condemned the mistreatment of the Eagles and their delegates during their arrival in Libya.

“I strongly condemn the obnoxious treatment meted out on players and officials of the Senior National Team, the Super Eagles.

“All through the night, I have escalated the matter and involved all necessary authorities. From the Foreign Affairs Minister, the National Security Adviser, the DG NIA, Amaju Pinnick, our CAF Executive member. I have also remained in touch with both the president of the NFF, who is on the ground with the team, and the Chairman of Value Jet, owners of the plane that airlifted the team to Libya. All hands must be on deck to protect our national team.

“For now, our primary concern is the safety of the members of our national team.”

NFF

While the players remained unattended for over 17 hours, the NFF and Libya Football Federation engaged in a blame game.

“The chartered ValueJet aircraft was, strangely and in a dangerous manner, diverted to the small airport away from Benghazi just as the pilot was completing his approach to the Benghazi Airport. We understand the Al Abraq International Airport is only used for hajj operations,” NFF said in a statement.

“Fatigued players and officials have remained nonplussed as the host Libyan Football Federation failed to send any reception team or even vehicles to take the delegation members from the airport to their hotel, said to be three hours away in Benghazi.

“The NFF made arrangements for separate vehicles for the team, but the plan was unhinged by the diversion of the aircraft. Players have resolved not to play the match any longer as NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home.”

Libya Football Association

Reacting via an official statement on X, the Libyan Football Association denies sabotage, stating that the issue the Eagles faced occurred as a result of logistic challenges.

“We are deeply concerned about the recent reports surrounding the diversion of the Nigerian national team’s flight ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Libya,” the statement read in part.

“While we regret any inconvenience caused, it is essential to note that such incidents can occur due to routine air traffic control protocols, security checks, or logistical challenges that affect international air travel.

“These are standard procedures at airports worldwide, and delays or rerouting, though unfortunate, are not uncommon. We have the utmost respect for our Nigerian counterparts and want to reassure them that the diversion of their flight was not intentional.

“There are no grounds to accuse the Libyan security teams or the Libyan Football Federation of deliberately orchestrating this incident. Such actions are inconsistent with our values and principles.

“We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation. It is important to highlight that just last week, our own national team faced significant challenges upon our arrival in Nigeria for the third match of the Africa Cup of Nations qualification.”

CAF begins probe

The Confederation of Africa Football said it had been in contact with the two countries involved after it got hold of the disturbing news, saying, “The matter has been referred to the CAF Disciplinary Board for investigation, and appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the CAF Statutes and Regulations.”

International outcry

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from fellow footballers, international media, clubs, and human rights organisations. Libyan FA’s denial of wrongdoing has been met with scepticism, with many demanding actions.

Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra wrote on X, “Unacceptable! Solidarity with my Nigerian brothers.”

Togolese legend Emmanuel Adebayor decried the treatment meted out to the Eagles players at the airport.

“Nigerian Super Eagles were stranded at a Libyan airport, locked in without food, wi-fi, or a place to sleep after their flight was diverted,” he wrote.

“This type of behaviour is unacceptable for the progress of African football. No team should face such treatment. We stand with Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

“Respect and fair play must come first on and off the field.”

Former Arsenal and Gabon midfielder Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang added, “Libya, this is shameful. Respect our Nigerian friends.”

FIFA World Cup winner and former Barcelona defender Carles Puyol tweeted, “Football unites us, but disrespect divides us. Stand with Nigeria.”

Human Rights Watch added, “Appalling treatment of the Nigerian football team in Libya. Investigate and hold accountable.”