The Nigerian government has summoned Libya’s Chargé d’Affaires to discuss the prolonged delay faced by the Super Eagles at Al Abraq International Airport, Libya. This move follows the unexpected diversion of the Nigerian football team’s flight, which was originally scheduled to land in Benghazi.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar briefed State House Correspondents on Monday, revealing that staff from the Nigerian mission in Libya had been instructed to address the matter and represent Nigeria’s interests. Tuggar criticised the Libyan Football Federation for the hostile treatment of the Super Eagles and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) staff, which led to the team’s extended wait at the airport.
Tuggar explained that the Nigerian delegation had intended to refuel their chartered ValueJet aircraft at Al Abraq airport before returning to Nigeria due to the unfriendly reception. The minister called the situation “unfortunate” and condemned the mistreatment of the Nigerian delegation.
“Well, it’s the most unfortunate situation, because the Super Eagles flew to Libya to play a match. As you know, the Libyan team was here they were supposed to land in Uyo instead, they went and landed in Port Harcourt , where they were not supposed to land. And now our team has gone to Libya, and somehow the plane gets diverted to a different airport.
“And unfortunately, at that airport, there is no aviation fuel, because what we have decided is they need to refuel and get out, we will not be able to allow them to continue. no food. You know, it’s a good thing when they landed in Kano they actually even got some water, some cartoons of water otherwise even water would have been a problem but suffice. Suffice it to say that we have established contact with them. We’ve sent people from the mission to go there, representing the mission,” Tuggar said. He noted that the team would not be allowed to continue with the match under these conditions.
The minister also highlighted that, despite the challenges, the team managed to receive some water when they later arrived in Kano. He assured that contact had been established with the delegation and that representatives from the mission were sent to support them.
Tuggar added that he has been in constant communication with the NFF Chairman, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, and the Libyan Chargé d’Affaires, as Libya does not currently have an ambassador in Nigeria.
Following the 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq Airport, the NFF withdrew the Super Eagles from Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya. The Nigerian delegation was en route to Benghazi for the critical match when their flight was unexpectedly diverted, leaving them stranded without any assistance from the Libyan Football Federation (LFF).
The LFF has responded to the situation via its X handle, attributing the flight diversion to routine air traffic and logistical issues rather than any deliberate action. “We firmly reject any claims suggesting foul play or sabotage,” the LFF stated, adding that the Libyan national team faced similar difficulties when they arrived in Nigeria for an earlier 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. Despite the difficulties we encountered, we did not make public accusations nor question the integrity of the Nigerian authorities,” the LFF reiterated.