The Super Eagles of Nigeria have safely returned to Nigeria following a distressing experience during their trip to Libya for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. The Nigerian delegation, which included players and officials, landed at Kano International Airport on Monday evening.
After clearing immigration, the team made arrangements for connecting flights to Abuja and Lagos, enabling players to rejoin their respective clubs across Europe and Africa.
The Super Eagles departed Nigeria on Sunday morning but were unexpectedly diverted to La Abraq Airport, located over 200 kilometers from their intended destination in Benghazi. This diversion left the team stranded for more than 15 hours without access to food, water, or internet connectivity, leading to significant distress among the players.
Team captain William Troost-Ekong shared images on social media depicting the team’s challenging situation, which they likened to a “hostage situation.” The Nigerian government and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) intervened to help resolve the crisis, enabling the team to continue their journey.
In response to the incident, CAF has initiated an investigation, referring the matter to its Disciplinary Board. A CAF spokesperson stated, “The matter has been referred for investigation, and appropriate action will be taken against those found in violation of CAF statutes and regulations.”
The ordeal faced by the Super Eagles has garnered widespread attention, prompting discussions on the need for better safety measures for national teams during international competitions. CAF has assured that corrective measures will be implemented once the investigation concludes.
With their safe return, the Super Eagles can now shift their focus to their upcoming AFCON qualifiers scheduled for November.
