In a shocking turn of events, the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, has pulled the plug on Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.
The decision comes after the Super Eagles endured a grueling 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport.
A bizarre mid-flight diversion to the small airport, typically reserved for hajj operations, left the team high and dry.
With no reception team or transportation provided by the Libyan Football Federation, the exhausted players and officials were forced to spend the night at the airport.
The NFF has condemned the shabby treatment, citing the host federation’s startling lack of hospitality.
As a result, the players have unanimously decided to boycott the match, prioritizing their dignity and well-being.
The statement Libya:
“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.”
