Libyan Authority Holds Eagles Hostage At Airport

The Nigerian Super Eagles media team said that players and officials were held hostage on Sunday night by Libyan authorities on their arrival at Al Abaq Airport in Al Abaq, according to report.

The Eagles media team, the players and officials, along with their luggage, were left stranded at the airport, while the Libyan airport officials were unconcerned to their plight as they were conversing in Arabic.

The three time champion departed for Libya on Sunday morning, ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matchday 4 clash against the Mediterranean Knights.

Libya will host the African giant at the 10,000-capacity Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benina, located just 10 kilometres from Benghazi, but reports emerged that they were diverted to another city.

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“About an hour to landing, the Nigerian aircraft approaching its destination, Benghazi, was diverted to another city more than a two-hour drive from the original destination,” the Eagles media team said.

Nigeria secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Libya at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday courtesy of a late Fisayo Dele-Bashiru strike.

The second leg between the two countries will take place on Tuesday, October 15, with the Eagles hoping to maintain their unbeaten runs.

The Confederation of African Football has appointed Cape Verdean official Delgado Santos Rocha Lenine to referee the match.

Ejiofor Ezeifeoma- Lagos