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The Super Eagles were literally held hostage at a Libyan airport for over 13 hours and subjected to harsh conditions ahead of their second-leg AFCON 2025 qualifying fixture.
The Super Eagles are currently headlining the trending following a disturbing development that has already sparked outrage on social media.
The Nigeria men’s national team faced a harrowing ordeal ahead of their AFCON 2025 qualifying second leg match against Libya.
Super Eagles were subjected to an extremely hostile treatment in Libya, just days after defeating them 1-0 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo - a game that saw Libya's delayed tactics backfire.
From an unexpected flight diversion to being held hostage at an airport, the players and officials were subjected to appalling conditions.
Pulse Sports uncovers an in-depth look at the situation and how the Super Eagles ended up with a one-way flight to hell.
Super Eagles were STRANDED for over 13 Hours
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The Super Eagles found themselves stranded for more than 13 hours at the Al Abraq International Airport, which was not even the intended destination.
Literally a hostage situation, their chartered flight, initially approved to land in Benghazi, was mysteriously diverted just minutes before landing, according to a report from journalist Adepoju Samuel.
The chartered ValueJet aircraft was diverted to the small airport away from Benghazi just as the pilot was completing his approach to the Benghazi Airport.
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It was gathered that Al Abraq International Airport is only used for hajj operations.
The NFF transport arrangement was already in Benghazi and despite the diversion of the plane, there were no buses provided at the Abraq Airport by the Libyan FA.
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This diversion left the team in limbo and essentially locked up like hostages at the airport, waiting with no assistance or clear explanation for the lengthy delay.
No access to WiFi or Communication
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To make matters worse, the Super Eagles team was cut off from communication. The lack of WiFi meant they couldn’t contact their families or update them about the troubling circumstances.
This lack of connectivity only added to the stress, leaving the team in complete isolation and unable to even coordinate with their own officials in Nigeria.
It also posed a challenge of supplying the NFF with real-time updates from the chaotic scene.
NFF responds via a strong statement
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The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) did not hold back in condemning the Libyan authorities’ actions.
In a statement on Monday morning, they detailed how the flight was "strangely and dangerously" diverted, and the team was left without any reception from the Libyan Football Federation.
The NFF further criticized the Libyan FA for not providing transportation to the team’s hotel in Benghazi, which was a three-hour drive away.
The statement read:
“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.
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“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.”
Unmanned Airport and Hostile Conditions
As mentioned earlier, the Super Eagles landed in an airport that typically handles Hajj operations, not international football teams.
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There was no welcoming committee, no Libyan FA officials, and no buses to transport the players.
The situation turned more hostile when the airport gates were locked, and the team was essentially held captive inside the facility, with no way out or further communication.
According to the Libyan guys at the airport, they got a directive from higher authorities to delay the Nigerian contingent for 8+ hours at the airport.
Captain Troost-Ekong narrates terrifying ordeal and declares Super Eagles stance
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Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong eventually shared his frustrations on social media, calling out the Libyan authorities on X for their "disgraceful" behavior.
The AFCON 2023 MVP recounted how the team was left without food or drinks for hours, as well as the bizarre treatment their pilot faced, being denied accommodation at local hotels.
Troost-Ekong made it clear that the actions taken by the Libyans were intended to throw the Nigerian team off balance ahead of the crucial match.
In addition, Ekong made it absolutely clear that the team has no interest in playing a game of football under the horrifying conditions it had been forced to go through.
Nigerian government intervention called for
The gravity of the unpleasant situation led to the team calling for immediate intervention from the Nigerian government.
With concerns over their safety and well-being mounting, the Super Eagles sought diplomatic help to either ensure their safe departure from Libya or to resolve the situation with proper security measures in place.
Enough is Enough! as Super Eagles ultimately resolve NOT to play
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In a powerful show of solidarity, the Super Eagles made the decision not to play the AFCON 2025 qualifying match against Libya under such hostile conditions.
The team rightly cited safety concerns and the risk of further mistreatment, with Captain Troost-Ekong declaring that the three-time African champions would not even bother risking travelling by road or eating food provided under these circumstances.
The NFF is now awaiting a decision from CAF regarding the match outcome, but the players have made their stance clear: they refuse to play under such duress.
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