By Ken Chiwendu
After a wave of frustration on landing in Libya for the second – leg match against the Mediterranean Knights on Tuesday evening, Nigeria’s Super Eagles are on their way home.
The Super Eagles departed Nigeria for Libya on Sunday October 13 in preparation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nation’s qualifiers but after landing at the Al Abraq Airport in Libya, the team was left stranded for about 14 hours.
Some of the players wrote about their maltreatment by Libyan officials on social media .
Recounting their ordeal,Captain Troost Ekong said Nigeria could not have treated anyone like that.
Libyan authorities deliberately diverted the flight originally scheduled to land in Benghazi to Al Abraq, a small airport with no internet connection and other necessary facilities
However , following the unfolding scenario, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs,Hon. Yusuf Tuggar said he had been” closely monitoring the situation involving the Super Eagles in Libya
According to him ” Through the Head of Nigerian Mission in Tripoli, Libya,Amb. Stephen Anthony Awuru, the Mission has maintained contact with the NFF, and the Libyan authorities since last night. Despite efforts,, Libyan authorities have not yet authorised the Nigerian Mission’s trip to Bayda city, where the airport is located.
” In the meantime, the Head of the Nigerian Community in Benghazi,Mr Morris Eromosele, arrived at the location at 6:am this morning with necessary supplies and internet access. We will continue to follow developments and await a report for further action.
The Sports Minister, John Enoh also condemned Libya for the mistreatment of the Super Eagles.
The Super Eagles have embarked on their journey home through a chartered plane,Valuejet
It was gathered that the aircraft which was not cleared to fly into Benghazi Sunday evening was cleared to refuel and fly through Benghazi to Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football CAF had reacted to the maltreatment of the Super Eagles in Libya.
in a statement on Monday evening, the Federation said it has referred the matter to its disciplinary board for investigation and appropriate punishment would be given to the erring side.
