On Sunday night, the Super Eagles media team reported that Nigeria’s senior men’s national team, along with their officials, were detained by Libyan authorities upon arriving at Al Abaq Airport, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
In a video shared by the media team, the players and staff, along with their luggage, were left stranded as Libyan officials seemingly ignored their situation, conversing amongst themselves in Arabic.
The team had departed for Libya on Sunday morning in preparation for their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifier, scheduled as a matchday 4 encounter with the Mediterranean Knights. Initially planning to land in Tripoli and then proceed to Benghazi by road, they instead opted for a direct chartered flight with a stopover in Kano to minimize travel fatigue. However, reports indicate that the team was unexpectedly rerouted to a different city.
“Approximately an hour before landing, the Nigerian aircraft approaching Benghazi was redirected to a location over two hours away by road from the intended destination,” shared the Eagles’ media team.
The Super Eagles and their officials were reportedly held at Al Abaq Airport in Al Abaq.
The team heads into the second leg of their AFCON qualifier against Libya, following a tough 1-0 win on Friday in Uyo, secured by a late goal from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. The return match is set for Tuesday, October 15, with the Eagles aiming to extend their unbeaten record.
Cape Verdean referee Delgado Santos Rocha Lenine has been assigned by the Confederation of African Football to officiate the match. He will be joined by assistant referees Djêry Gomes Lopes and Jorge Santos Fonseca Aritson, both also from Cape Verde. Hamidou Diero from Burkina Faso will serve as the fourth official. Amir Abdi Hassan from Somalia has been appointed as match commissioner, and referee assessor duties will be handled by Dramane Dante of Mali. Rachid Medjiba from Algeria has been assigned to oversee the event’s security.
Nonsense