Less than 48 hours before their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya's Mediterranean Knights, Nigeria’s Super Eagles were left stranded at Abraq International Airport in Libya following an unexpected flight diversion.
The Nigerian team had departed Uyo on Sunday morning, anticipating a smooth arrival in Benghazi, close to the Benina Stadium, where Tuesday's match is scheduled.
However, sports journalist Tobi Adepoju reported late Sunday that the Libyan authorities diverted the chartered flight mid-journey, sending it to Abraq Airport, a much farther distance from the stadium.
Adepoju explained that the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) had obtained approval for the team’s plane to land in Benghazi, but the unexpected rerouting left the team stranded, with no transport arrangements in place.
Compounding the issue, transport had only been arranged in Benghazi, and the Libyan Football Association failed to provide buses at Abraq, leaving the team locked in the airport with no way to proceed.
A video of the Super Eagles in the airport’s waiting hall quickly circulated on social media, along with footage from NFF TV showing Nigerian officials appealing to airport authorities to open the gates.
Nigeria, currently leading Group D with seven points, hopes to maintain its momentum after a 1–0 victory over Libya in Uyo on Saturday, despite the unexpected travel ordeal.
