The Nigerian Government has reacted to the Super Eagles’ ordeal after the players were stranded for 12 hours at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya.

The Nigerian team, in the country for a crucial AFCON 2025 qualifier, faced unexpected delays after landing on Sunday.
The Super Eagles landed in Libya for their qualifier against the host nation, but their chartered ValueJet flight was diverted at the last minute from Benghazi Airport to the smaller Al Abraq International Airport, which is typically reserved for Hajj operations.
The unexpected change left players and officials stranded without any reception or transport from the host Libyan Football Federation, despite arrangements being made.
The team was supposed to be transported to their hotel in Benghazi, approximately three hours away, but the diversion disrupted these plans.

Reacting, Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, in a statement on Monday said he is communicating with Nigeria’s mission in Libya, represented by Chargé d’Affaires Stephen Anthony Awuru, who has been in contact with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Libyan officials since the team’s airport ordeal began.

The statement read:

“Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister @YusufTuggar is in touch with the Nigerian Mission in Libya through the CDA Amb Stephen Anthony Awuru who has also been in touch with the NFF and Libyan authorities since last night, but Libyan authorities were yet to authorize them to travel to Bayda City where the airport is located.

“However, the CDA instructed the head of the Nigerian Community in Benghazi Mr Morris Eromosele who arrived there this morning with supplies and internet access.

“The Minister continues to monitor the unfortunate event through the CDA and awaits a report for further action.”