The Libya Football Federation (LFF) has responded to reports concerning the difficulties encountered by the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, during their stay in Libya.
The Nigerian players were reportedly stranded for over 14 hours after traveling for the second leg of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier. Following their 3-2 victory over Libya in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday, the Super Eagles were scheduled to play the return leg in Benghazi on Tuesday.
The team’s trip to Benghazi, originally planned for Sunday via a chartered flight, encountered unforeseen challenges. Approximately an hour before arrival, the flight was diverted from its intended destination.
Instead of landing in Benghazi, the plane was redirected to Al Abraq International Airport, a facility primarily used for hajj operations.
Upon arrival, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) faced further setbacks.
There were no representatives from the LFF to receive the team, and local airport authorities blocked access to the bus arranged by the NFF to transport the players to Benghazi.
With the logistical issues unresolved, the Super Eagles decided against proceeding with the fixture, expressing their intention to return to Nigeria.
In response to the situation, the LFF issued a statement on Monday, denying any intentional interference.
“We are deeply concerned by reports surrounding the flight diversion of the Nigerian national team ahead of the AFCON qualifier,” the LFF said.
“While we regret the inconvenience, such diversions can result from standard air traffic control protocols, security checks, or logistical challenges.
These are common issues that affect international travel.”
The statement emphasized Libya’s respect for Nigeria and dismissed claims of foul play. “The suggestion that the Libyan security services or football federation deliberately frustrated the Nigerian team is unfounded and inconsistent with our values,” it read.
The LFF further recalled the challenges their own national team faced during their trip to Nigeria for the first leg of the qualifier but stressed that they did not question the integrity of Nigerian officials. “Football unites nations, and we remain committed to fairness, hospitality, and respect. Hosting events is an honor for us, and we strive to ensure visiting teams feel welcome and safe,” the LFF added.
However, the Federal Government of Nigeria provided a different narrative. In a tweet on Monday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, revealed that the Libyan authorities had not approved the Nigerian diplomatic mission’s travel to Bayda City, where Al Abraq Airport is located.
“I have been closely monitoring the situation involving the Super Eagles in Libya,” Tuggar wrote. “Despite ongoing efforts, the Libyan authorities have not authorized our mission’s trip to Bayda City. Ambassador Stephen Anthony Awuru, Head of the Nigerian Mission in Tripoli, has been in contact with the NFF and the Libyan authorities throughout the night, but the situation remains unresolved.”
The conflicting accounts from both nations leave the dispute unresolved, casting a shadow over the AFCON qualification fixture.
