The Nigerian delegation for the 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya found itself stuck at Al Abraq Airport for 12 hours after arriving in Libya on Tuesday.
The ValueJet charter flight was unexpectedly and perilously redirected to this lesser-known airport, situated away from Benghazi, just as the pilot was approaching the main airport. It is noteworthy that Al Abraq International Airport primarily operates for hajj-related travel.
Exhausted players and officials expressed their frustration as the Libyan Football Federation failed to provide any welcoming committee or transportation to transport the delegation to their hotel, reportedly located three hours away in Benghazi.
While the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had arranged separate vehicles for the team, those plans were compromised due to the aircraft’s diversion.
As a result, players have expressed their unwillingness to participate in the match, while NFF officials are working on arrangements to return the team to Nigeria.
