By EMMA JEMEGAH
After ‘disgraceful’ 12-hour airport nightmare at the Al-Abraq Airport, Libya, Super Eagles finally returned home via the Aminu Kano International Airport yesterday before making their way to Abuja with a final stop in Lagos foreclosing the possibility of playing the 2025 AFCON qualifier in Benina.
The flight from Libya was three and half hours.
Their departure followed serious pressure on the Libyan authorities to clear the Super Eagles plane to depart and sell aviation fuel to it.
The Nigeria national team squad was left stranded in Al-Abraq Airport for over 16 hours ahead of their scheduled Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Benina tonight, defender William Troost-Ekong has confirmed.
The Super Eagles had been due to play away against Libya in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.The aircraft carrying the players, coaching staff and travelling delegation was diverted, and eventually landed in an airport three hours away from their final destination.
Several players, including Troost-Ekong and Victor Boniface documented the events on social media. Some of the players alleged that this wasn’t an accident, rather that it was an act of ‘mind games’.
Napoli-owned Victor Osimhen, who is not part of the travelling squad, said that the situation was ‘beginning to look more like a hostage situation’.
Former Udinese defender Troost-Ekong explained on social media that the players are now due to return to Nigeria imminently, following an appeal on social media.
“Power of social media,” he wrote on X. “Apparently our plane is being fueled as we speak and we should be leaving to Nigeria shortly. Thanks for everyone’s support!”
“12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Libya after our plane was diverted whilst descending. Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason. They locked the airport gates and left us without phone connection, food or drink. All to play mind games.
