In what should have been a routine Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, the Super Eagles of Nigeria have found themselves embroiled in a distressing ordeal that raises serious questions about sportsmanship. Scheduled to face Libya in Benina for a crucial matchday four fixture, Nigeria’s national team is currently stranded at Al Abraq Airport in Libya, enduring fatigue and humiliation.
After more than 12 hours of waiting in harsh conditions, uncertainty looms over the match. The question now is whether this situation is a deliberate tactic by Libya or something far more sinister.
Super Eagles Stranded for Over 12 Hours
The Nigerian delegation arrived in Libya with high hopes, but their expectations were swiftly dashed when their chartered ValueJet aircraft was unexpectedly diverted to Al Abraq International Airport, located far from their intended destination of Benghazi. The aircraft, just minutes from landing in Benghazi, was rerouted to this lesser-known airport, typically used for Hajj operations, without any prior notice.
Now, twelve hours later, the Super Eagles remain stuck at the airport, grappling with frustration and confusion as they await basic hospitality that never arrives. The Libyan Football Federation and airport authorities have failed to provide any transportation or even acknowledge the team’s arrival. Despite Benghazi being just three hours away, efforts to make alternate travel plans have repeatedly been thwarted.
This ordeal is not only embarrassing but also poses potential dangers for the Nigerian players and officials, who appear visibly exhausted after prolonged waiting in a foreign land. For a nation that has consistently excelled in African football, the level of disrespect shown toward Nigeria is unacceptable.
Underlying Tensions
The unwelcoming attitude from Libya may stem from previous encounters, particularly the first leg of the AFCON qualifying fixture in Nigeria. Libyan media accused Nigeria of mistreating their delegation upon arrival in Uyo, a claim strongly refuted by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). According to the NFF, the confusion arose from poor communication on the part of the Libyan Football Federation.
Emmanuel Ayanbunmi, the NFF’s Assistant Director of Protocol, explained that the Libyan team arrived in the wrong city due to last-minute changes in their flight schedule. The Libyan FA’s failure to coordinate properly led to logistical hiccups. Despite the NFF’s efforts to accommodate Libya, including securing federal approval for their flight, the Libyan delegation chose a less comfortable road journey.
Decision Against Playing
After enduring over 12 hours of waiting, the Nigerian players have unanimously decided not to participate in the match against Libya. Citing health concerns, the NFF is now working on emergency plans to return the team to Nigeria as soon as possible. The team doctors have advised against playing due to the players’ deteriorating condition after being stranded without proper rest or food.
The Nigerian delegation has made it clear: they will not honor the match and are returning home.
A Call for Intervention
What has transpired in Libya transcends psychological tactics commonly seen in football; it is a severe case of hostage-taking. Stranding a team at an airport for hours without communication or support is a grave violation of sportsmanship.
This incident demands immediate intervention from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to uphold the integrity of the sport. As one of Africa’s football powerhouses, Nigeria deserves respect, and the world is watching.
In 2024, there is no place for such disgraceful behavior in a sport that champions unity, fair play, and competition. What has happened to Nigeria in Libya is a disgrace and highlights a crisis not just for Nigeria but for African football as a whole.
