The Nigeria Football Federation has announced the withdrawal of the Nigerian Super Eagles from Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.
The NFF made this known in a statement on Monday following the chaotic experience of the super Eagles ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya, where the team has been stranded since their arrival on Sunday afternoon.
The federation voiced strong frustration over the mishandling of the team and emphasized the absence of support from the Kiyan government.
They confirmed that the players have chosen to withdraw from the match and are making arrangements to return to Nigeria.
The statement reads “The delegation of Nigeria to Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya still remained at the Al Abraq Airport 12 hours after landing in Libya.
“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. 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 3 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.”