The pilot in charge of the Super Eagles’ aircraft has recounted the troubling events that led to the Nigerian national team being denied access to land at Benghazi Benina Airport in Libya. The three-time Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions were on their way from Nigeria for a scheduled match when they were unexpectedly redirected to Al-Abraq International Airport, approximately 300 kilometers from their intended destination.
In an interview following the team’s arrival, the Tunisian aviation officer detailed the sequence of events, revealing that he had made no fewer than eight attempts to contact Benghazi airport for landing permission, all of which were denied. “The flight plan was to land in Benghazi, and we had received prior approval from Libyan authorities. However, as we approached the airport, we were instructed to divert to another airport, which is significantly far from our destination,” he explained.
The pilot emphasized the implications of this last-minute change: “In aviation, we meticulously plan our flights and calculate the fuel needed for our journeys. Unexpected diversions can pose serious safety risks. When we were about to land, we were informed that the decision came from the highest authority. I asked them at least eight times, but they repeatedly insisted that we could not land there. Thankfully, we made it safely to the alternative airport.”
After enduring over thirteen hours of uncertainty in Libya, the Super Eagles were eventually cleared to return home. They decided to boycott their scheduled AFCON 2025 game against the Libyan team, expressing their dissatisfaction with the situation. The pilot successfully flew the team back to Nigeria the following evening, with all communications and decisions well documented for accountability.
