The Director of Communications for the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) Ademola Olajire, has recounted how the Super Eagles players and officials sustained themselves during the harsh treatment they endured in Libya.
The Nigerian delegation returned to Aminu Kano International Airport on Monday at around 5:50 PM, following a federal government decision to bring the team home. This was after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) initiated an investigation into the incident.
The Super Eagles were stranded in Libya for over 16 hours. After their victory over Libya in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, the team was set to play a return leg of the AFCON 2025 Qualifier in Benghazi. However, instead of landing at Benina International Airport, the team’s flight was diverted to Al Abaq International Airport, a facility typically used for hajj operations.
To make matters worse, no Libyan Football Federation (LFF) officials were present to receive the team, as required by protocol. Although the NFF arranged for transportation by road to Benghazi, access to the bus was denied, leaving the Nigerian delegation stranded at the airport.
Olajire narrated how the team managed to get food during the ordeal: “At dawn, Mr. Maurice Eromosele, president of the Nigerian community in Eastern Libya, arrived with a message of sympathy from the Nigerian Ambassador to Libya, Alhaji Muhammad Muhammad. He was shocked by the treatment we received, as the team spent the entire night in the departure lounge.”
“On the Ambassador’s orders, he brought plastic bags filled with croissants and drinks, which became breakfast for the team.”