Members of the Nigerian national football team reported that they have been stuck at Al Abraq Airport in Libya for over half a day after arriving in the country.
Initially, the Super Eagles were scheduled to arrive for a qualifying match for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against Libya in Benghazi on October 15. However, the flight carrying the players and coaching staff was redirected to Al Abraq on October 13, preventing the footballers from leaving the terminal and leaving them without water, food, or phone communication.
Nigerian team captain and defender William Troost-Ekong, who plays for Saudi side Al Hilal posted the following message on social media:
Lybian government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason. They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without phone connection, food or drink. All to play mind games.
It has been noted that the upcoming match against the Mediterranean Knights, led by Bruno Labbadia, is set to be boycotted in protest.
In the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, Nigeria currently tops Group D with seven points after three matches, while Libya, with just one point, sits at the bottom of the quartet. Benin and Rwanda also compete in this group