The Tunisian pilot who transported the Super Eagles to Libya has clarified the events that resulted in their flight being unexpectedly redirected to the remote Al-Abraq airport, rather than their planned destination of Benghazi.

The redirection has sparked controversy since Sunday, when the Nigerian delegation, traveling to Benghazi for a critical Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya scheduled for Tuesday, found themselves stranded for over 16 hours after their flight was rerouted to Al-Abraq, a small airport primarily used for hajj flights.

In a video interview shared by our correspondent and posted on X by Sports Journalist Pooja Media on Tuesday, the pilot stated that the choice to divert the flight was not his decision but was directed by Libyan officials.

“The flight plan was to land at Benghazi, Benina, and we had the approval from the Libyan Civil Aviation Authority to do so,” the pilot stated.

“However, when we began our descent, they instructed us to divert to Al-Abraq, which is almost 150 miles away, around 300 kilometres east. It wasn’t even (listed as) our alternate airport, something which is not good,” he reiterated.

The pilot characterized the detour as possibly dangerous, referencing the fuel estimates prepared for the original destination.

“In aviation, we have our flight plan, we calculate the fuel to our destination, so we have to avoid this kind of thing because it may make a breach to safety,” he stated, repeatedly questioning the directive.

“When I asked to land in Benghazi according to my flight plan and according to my authorisation, they said no, it’s from the highest authority, you have to land in Al-Abraq.”

Refuting claims from the media that the diversion was his decision, he said, “Everything is registered in aviation, we cannot hide anything, so I asked them several times, at least eight times, and I warned them, probably I will be in trouble for fuel; they said it’s from highest authority, you cannot land in Benghazi, you have to divert immediately to Al-Abraq,” he added.

The pilot observed that all pertinent communications and approvals are recorded and can be presented as proof if required.

He said, “The truth was we were going to Benghazi, and I can show you the evidence of the approval, I have it. But at the last minute, they changed their mind and changed the airport.”

In his description of the situation at Al-Abraq, the pilot pointed out the difficulties of landing at what he called an inadequately equipped domestic airport.

“There is no ILS (Instrument Landing System), no air navigation approach, no VHR (VHF Omnidirectional Range). We had to make a visual landing, which is particularly difficult by night with marginal weather,” he said, adding that the airport’s lack of facilities left them with “no second chances” if the landing had gone wrong.

The pilot’s experience in the area, gained from two years of employment with a Tunisian company, was essential for successfully handling the challenging landing.

“It was not an easy matter at all. When a pilot hears this, he will understand that it was not an easy thing to land under such conditions. Thank God we made it safely,” he said.

Kylian Mbappe was “shocked” to see his name linked to a Swedish rape investigation and the Real Madrid and France star will take legal action for libel, his lawyer told AFP on Tuesday.

Mbappe’s lawyer, Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard, insisted that the captain of the French national team was “at ease” because “he has done nothing wrong”, after media reports in Sweden said the player was a suspect following a visit with friends to Stockholm.

A Swedish prosecutor said earlier Tuesday that a rape investigation had been opened without mentioning Mbappe.

Swedish newspapers Aftonbladet and Expressen, as well as public broadcaster SVT, reported that Mbappe was the target of the investigation, following his two-day visit to the city last week.

Speaking to AFP, Canu-Bernard said Mbappe had “asked my office not to leave things as they are because it is impossible to allow yourself to be slandered and defamed in this way”.

“This is why we are going to file a complaint for libel.”

Sweden’s Prosecution Authority said that the alleged rape had occurred at a hotel on October 10 but did not name a suspect and said no further information could be shared for the moment.

“In response to media reports about a suspected rape in Stockholm, the prosecutor can confirm that a criminal report has been submitted to the police,” a statement said.

According to a filing with the Stockholm district court reviewed by AFP, the alleged offence took place at the upscale Bank Hotel in the centre of Sweden’s capital.

The names of the plaintiff and the suspect were both redacted in the document.

Expressen on Monday identified Mbappe as the suspect, citing anonymous sources, while Aftonbladet and SVT said Tuesday they had also obtained information confirming Mbappe was the suspect.

Expressen said Mbappe was “reasonably suspected” of rape and sexual assault, the lower of two degrees of suspicion in the Swedish legal system.

According to the Prosecution Authority, the higher degree of suspicion, “probable cause,” is usually a prerequisite for a suspect to be remanded in custody prior to a formal charge.

Lawyer Petra Lund, who represents the plaintiff, told AFP on Tuesday that she “could not give any comment at this stage”.

– Seized evidence –

The French star was not selected for his country’s latest round of UEFA Nations League matches, and so visited the Swedish capital with a group of people from last Wednesday.

According to Aftonbladet, they dined at a restaurant before going to a nightclub. Mbappe and the group left Sweden on Friday.

Aftonbladet said the complaint was filed on Saturday after the alleged victim had sought medical attention.

Expressen reported Tuesday that police had seized some clothing as evidence, saying it consisted of women’s underwear, a pair of black trousers and a black top.

Photographs showed police officers leaving the Bank Hotel with brown bags on Monday.

Mbappe claimed in a post on X on Monday there was a link between the report and the hearing before a French league committee on Tuesday over his bitter dispute with his former club Paris Saint-Germain over what he says is 55 million euros ($60 million) in unpaid wages.

“FAKE NEWS !!!!. It’s becoming so predictable, on the eve of the hearing, as if by chance,” he wrote.

After the hearing, a source close to Qatari-owned PSG said the league would give its decision on October 25.

Mbappe’s entourage said in a statement to AFP on Monday that the accusations were “completely false and irresponsible” and added that “all necessary legal action will be taken to re-establish the truth”.

– Stellar career –

Mbappe signed for Madrid in June after seven years at PSG and has up until now stayed clear of scandal in his private life.

The forward, who is known for carefully managing his image through a close network of family, lawyers and spokespeople, has become one of the world’s highest-paid players after a stellar career that saw him break through as a teenager at Monaco.

A 19-year-old Mbappe joined Pele as the only teenager to score in a World Cup final when France beat Croatia 4-2 to win the 2018 edition and he was voted Best Young Player of the tournament.

Four years later in Qatar, he scored a hat-trick in the final against Argentina but finished on the losing team as Lionel Messi’s side won in a penalty shoot-out.

Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong has said that the ‘Naija spirit can’t be broken’ after the team returned to Nigeria from Libya where they were stranded.

Troost-Ekong had earlier confirmed that the team would boycott their 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya on Tuesday after being left stranded for no less than 15 hours at the Al Abraq Airport.

He said in a statement on his official X account on Monday morning that he and his teammates will return home to Nigeria, describing the terrible conditions they had to endure since their arrival in Libya on Sunday.

After the Super Eagles returned to Nigeria, arriving at the Kano Airport, the central defender shared a post on his X account, saying that the ‘Naija spirit can’t be broken’.

“BACK HOME SAFE & SOUND. Proud of this team, NAIJA SPIRIT can’t be broken,” the defender wrote.

“Throw at us what you want, it’s in our blood to overcome. I’ve seen a lot in my 10 years with this group, but nothing like this, an experience that has brought us even closer TOGETHER.”

Troost-Ekong, meanwhile, had earlier said in an interview that he was expecting a hostile atmosphere in Libya.

Nigeria defeated Libya 1-0 in their third match of the 2025 AFCON qualification series on Friday evening but the team had to sweat to secure the victory.

Fisayo Ayodele-Bashiru broke the deadlock for Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, after coming off the bench in the 74th minute, replacing Alex Iwobi.

The Super Eagles are finally back in Nigeria from Libya where they had been stranded since Sunday afternoon.

The Super Eagles media officer, Promise Efoghe, confirmed their arrival in Kano State, Nigeria on Monday evening in a statement he shared on the team’s formal WhatsApp account.

Central defender and captain, William Troost-Ekong also took to his verified X handle to confirm the arrival of the team and its officials in Nigeria.

“BACK HOME, SAFE & SOUND. Proud of this team, NAIJA SPIRIT can’t be broken,” Troost-Ekong wrote.

“Throw at us what you want, it’s in our blood to overcome. I’ve seen a lot in my 10 years with this group, but nothing like this, an experience that has brought us even closer TOGETHER.”

Sports journalist, Tobi Adepoju also known as Oganla Media who was on the team’s entourage to Libya posted on X: “The Super Eagles are back in Nigeria.

“We checked and stamped out our passports from Kano. The Nigerian contingent have landed in Kano from Libya. The flight will head to Abuja and Lagos respectively.”

The Confederation of African Football (CAF), meanwhile, has referred Libya’s treatment of the Super Eagles to its disciplinary board.

CAF made this known on Monday afternoon in a statement on its official X account and website, saying it views the disturbing and unacceptable experiences of the Nigerian national football team at an airport in Libya in a very serious light.

“CAF has been in contact with the Libyan and Nigerian authorities after it had been informed that the Super Eagles and their technical team were stranded in disturbing conditions for several hours at an airport that they were allegedly instructed to land by the Libyan authorities,” it wrote.

“The matter has been referred to the CAF disciplinary board for investigation and appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the CAF Statutes and Regulations.”

The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) had earlier denied the allegation of foul play or sabotage against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

The LFF denied the allegation in a statement after the Super Eagles who were scheduled to face Libya in a 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Tuesday were left stranded at the Al Abak Airport since Sunday.

“We are deeply concerned about the recent reports surrounding the diversion of the Nigerian national team’s flight ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Libya,” the statement read.

“While we regret any inconvenience caused, it is essential to note that such incidents can occur due to routine air traffic control protocols, security checks, or logistical challenges that affect international air travel.

“These are standard procedures at airports worldwide, and delays or rerouting, though unfortunate, are not uncommon.

“We have the utmost respect for our Nigerian counterparts and want to reassure them that the diversion of their flight was not intentional.”

The LFF said there are no grounds to accuse it or the Libyan security teams of deliberately orchestrating the incident because such actions are inconsistent with their values and principles.

“We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation. It is important to highlight that just last week, our own national team faced significant challenges upon our arrival in Nigeria for the third match of the Africa Cup of Nations qualification,” the LFF added.

“Despite the difficulties we encountered, we did not make public accusations nor question the integrity of the Nigerian authorities.”

It said football in its essence unites nations and it is committed to upholding the spirit of fairness and mutual respect both on and off the field.

The LFF said in Libya, they pride themselves on their hospitality and their welcoming nature.

It explained that Libyans have always prioritized treating all visiting teams including their African brothers and other international delegations with the respect and dignity they deserve.

The Libyan football governing body said hosting these events is a great honor for them and they strive to ensure that all teams feel safe and respected as their guests.

It said this commitment to equality and hospitality is a core aspect of the culture and tradition of the North African country.

The LFF said it hopes this misunderstanding can be resolved with understanding and goodwill.

“Our doors are open to our Nigerian brothers and all African teams and we continue to promote the spirit of unity, sportsmanship and friendship in the world of football,” it concluded.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has referred Libya’s treatment of the Super Eagles to its disciplinary board.

CAF made this known on Monday afternoon in a statement on its official X account and website, saying it views the disturbing and unacceptable experiences of the Nigerian national football team at an airport in Libya in a very serious light.

“CAF has been in contact with the Libyan and Nigerian authorities after it had been informed that the Super Eagles and their technical team were stranded in disturbing conditions for several hours at an airport that they were allegedly instructed to land by the Libyan authorities,” it wrote.

“The matter has been referred to the CAF disciplinary board for investigation and appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the CAF Statutes and Regulations.”

The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has meanwhile, denied the allegation of foul play or sabotage against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

The LFF denied the allegation in a statement after the Super Eagles who were scheduled to face Libya in a 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Tuesday were left stranded at the Al Abak Airport since Sunday.

“We are deeply concerned about the recent reports surrounding the diversion of the Nigerian national team’s flight ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Libya,” the statement read.

“While we regret any inconvenience caused, it is essential to note that such incidents can occur due to routine air traffic control protocols, security checks, or logistical challenges that affect international air travel.

“These are standard procedures at airports worldwide, and delays or rerouting, though unfortunate, are not uncommon.

“We have the utmost respect for our Nigerian counterparts and want to reassure them that the diversion of their flight was not intentional.”

The LFF said there are no grounds to accuse it or the Libyan security teams of deliberately orchestrating the incident because such actions are inconsistent with their values and principles.

“We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation. It is important to highlight that just last week, our own national team faced significant challenges upon our arrival in Nigeria for the third match of the Africa Cup of Nations qualification,” the LFF added.

“Despite the difficulties we encountered, we did not make public accusations nor question the integrity of the Nigerian authorities.”

It said football in its essence unites nations and it is committed to upholding the spirit of fairness and mutual respect both on and off the field.

The LFF said in Libya, they pride themselves on their hospitality and their welcoming nature.

It explained that Libyans have always prioritized treating all visiting teams including their African brothers and other international delegations with the respect and dignity they deserve.

The Libyan football governing body said hosting these events is a great honor for them and they strive to ensure that all teams feel safe and respected as their guests.

It said this commitment to equality and hospitality is a core aspect of the culture and tradition of the North African country.

The LFF said it hopes this misunderstanding can be resolved with understanding and goodwill.

“Our doors are open to our Nigerian brothers and all African teams and we continue to promote the spirit of unity, sportsmanship and friendship in the world of football,” it concluded.

The Federal Government (FG) had, meanwhile, condemned the treatment of Super Eagles players in Libya as nothing but despicable.

The FG on Monday through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) issued a statement to hit out at Libya.

The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has denied the allegation of foul play or sabotage against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

The LFF denied the allegation in a statement on Monday after the Super Eagles who are scheduled to face Libya in a 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Tuesday have been left stranded at the Al Abak Airport since Sunday.

“We are deeply concerned about the recent reports surrounding the diversion of the Nigerian national team’s flight ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Libya,” the statement read.

“While we regret any inconvenience caused, it is essential to note that such incidents can occur due to routine air traffic control protocols, security checks, or logistical challenges that affect international air travel.

“These are standard procedures at airports worldwide, and delays or rerouting, though unfortunate, are not uncommon.

“We have the utmost respect for our Nigerian counterparts and want to reassure them that the diversion of their flight was not intentional.”

The LFF said there are no grounds to accuse it or the Libyan security teams of deliberately orchestrating the incident because such actions are inconsistent with their values and principles.

“We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation. It is important to highlight that just last week, our own national team faced significant challenges upon our arrival in Nigeria for the third match of the Africa Cup of Nations qualification,” the LFF added.

“Despite the difficulties we encountered, we did not make public accusations nor question the integrity of the Nigerian authorities.”

It said football in its essence unites nations and it is committed to upholding the spirit of fairness and mutual respect both on and off the field.

The LFF said in Libya, they pride themselves on their hospitality and their welcoming nature.

It explained that Libyans have always prioritized treating all visiting teams including their African brothers and other international delegations with the respect and dignity they deserve.

The Libyan football governing body said hosting these events is a great honor for them and they strive to ensure that all teams feel safe and respected as their guests.

It said this commitment to equality and hospitality is a core aspect of the culture and tradition of the North African country.

The LFF said it hopes this misunderstanding can be resolved with understanding and goodwill.

“Our doors are open to our Nigerian brothers and all African teams and we continue to promote the spirit of unity, sportsmanship and friendship in the world of football,” it concluded.

The Federal Government (FG) had, meanwhile, condemned the treatment of Super Eagles players in Libya as nothing but despicable.

The FG on Monday through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) issued a statement to hit out at Libya.

“The Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has condemned the treatment meted out to the Super Eagles team by Libyan authorities ahead of its second leg match slated for Tuesday in the country,” the statement read.

Dabiri-Erewa noted that traveling by road in Libya is most dangerous and totally not advisable because of the current situation in the country.

The team which left Nigeria on Sunday to Libya for their return match had their flight diverted to an innocuous airport far away from the venue of the match.

The implication of the diversion will now be another three hours of road travel to the main venue of the match, not minding the risk of road travel in Libya, considering the situation of the war-torn country.

Dabiri-Erewa said the safety of Nigerian players is paramount to the country and was optimistic that the Ministry of Sports and the NFF will advise appropriately.

She also called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves.

Already, the players, the pilots and others on board the flight had been stranded and subjected to inhuman treatment at the airport for over 13 hours without water, food, rest and other means of communication.

“The team was delayed at an airport in Libya for more than 13 hours without any tangible reason,” Dabiri-Erewa lamented on behalf of the FG.

The Super Eagles flight was redirected air borne on Sunday and they were required to travel by road to their destination.

However, there was no provision made for them by the Libyan authorities and all efforts to make alternative provisions by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) were frustrated.

“Dabiri-Erewa has appealed to the Super Eagles to remain calm while the NFF decides the next line of action,” the statement signed by the spokesman of NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun read.