TheSuper Eagles players stranded in Libya LFF, has denied any deliberate attempt to sabotage the Super Eagles ahead of what would have been the return encounter of the 2025 AFCON qualifier between its national team and the Super Eagles scheduled for Benghazi on Tuesday.
After a dangerous diversion to Al Abraq International Airport, and the Eagles marooned at the airport for 15 hours, the Nigerian national team decided to boycott the crucial qualifier and return home.
The hostile and callous attitude by the Libyans triggered national anger among Nigerians who sided their team’s decision to back out of the return leg encounter. The first leg had ended 1-0 in favour of the Super Eagles at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State.
But responding to the unfortunate incident, the Libyan football Federation, LFF, denied any act of sabotage or deliberate frustration, attributing the extended delay of the Super Eagles at Al Abraq International Airport to routine air traffic and logistical challenges rather than deliberate foul play.
The LFF, in a statement it posted on X, on Monday, struggled to set the record straight, emphasising that the diversion of the Nigerian team’s flight was neither intended nor a hostile act.
“We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation,” the LFF said, though affirming that just a week earlier, the Libyan national team had faced their own challenges upon arriving Nigeria for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
“It is important to highlight that just last week, our own national team faced significant challenges upon our arrival in Nigeria for the third match of the Africa Cup of Nations qualification,” the statement continued.
“Despite the difficulties we encountered, we did not make public accusations nor question the integrity of the Nigerian authorities.”
According to the LFF, the diversion of the Nigerian delegation’s chartered ValueJet aircraft to Al Abraq International Airport, rather than Benghazi as planned, stemmed from air traffic control protocols and security checks common in international travel.
“These are standard procedures at airports worldwide, and delays or rerouting, though unfortunate, are not uncommon,” the federation added, stressing that the LFF had loads of respects for Nigeria and would never have deliberately created obstacles for the Super Eagles.
The Libyan FA expressed concern over the situation but noted that such logistical issues were not uncommon.
They also reiterated Libya’s hospitality towards visiting teams, stating, “We have always prioritised treating all visiting teams, including our African brothers and other international delegations, with the respect and dignity they deserve.”
The Libyan FA, therefore, appealed for a resolution through mutual understanding and highlighted football’s role in fostering unity.
“Hosting these events is a great honour for us, and we strive to ensure that all teams feel safe and respected as our guests.
“Our doors are open to our Nigerian brothers and all African teams, and we continue to promote the spirit of unity, sportsmanship, and friendship in the world of football,” the statement said.
However, there may not be any quick fix solution to the confusion as the Nigeria Football Federation has lodged a formal complaint with the Confederation of African Football, over the incident.
