The Super Eagles of Nigeria have been left stranded at Abraq International Airport in Libya, less than 48 hours before an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights, scheduled for Tuesday.
The Nigerian contingent had departed Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, on Sunday morning for Libya.
Sports journalist Tobi Adepoju revealed in a post on Sunday night that the team’s predicament began when the host nation made a last-minute diversion of their chartered flight.
He stated that the federation had secured approval for the team’s plane to land in Benghazi, just a short distance from the Benina Stadium, where the match is set to take place.
However, mid-flight, the aircraft was diverted to Abraq International Airport, a much farther location.
“The agreement and approval the NFF (Nigeria Football Federation) obtained was for the chartered flight to land in Benghazi, but the plane was unexpectedly diverted to Abraq”, Adepoju wrote.
While the NFF’s transport arrangements were already in place in Benghazi, no buses were provided by the Libyan Football Association at Abraq to transport the team to their destination.
As a result, the team’s contingent has been left stranded at the airport, with the gates locked, preventing them from leaving.
A video of the team seated in the waiting hall of Abraq Airport has gone viral on social media.
Another video from NFF TV has also gained popularity, showing some of the Nigerian officials speaking to the airport authorities regarding the closed gate.
Nigeria lead Group D with seven points after defeating Tuesday’s hosts 1–0 in the reverse fixture in Uyo on Saturday.
