Libya Reacts After Being Accused Of Holding Nigeria’s Super Eagles Hostage At Airport

Libyan Football Association has responded to the complaints about how Nigeria’s Super Eagles and their officials were treated upon their arrival in Libya.

The Nigerian national football team faced a frustrating situation when they landed in Libya, as they were left stranded at the airport due to the actions of local officials.

Their flight, which was supposed to land at a different location, was diverted, resulting in the team spending over 15 hours at the airport without proper food or provisions before they could arrange alternative travel.

In a statement shared on their X, the Libyan Football Association denied holding the Nigerian team hostage, explaining that the difficulties the Super Eagles faced were due to logistical challenges, not mistreatment.

They clarified that they did not publicly accuse or question the integrity of Nigerian officials despite the challenges their team faced last week, emphasizing that the flight diversion was not meant to be hostile.

The statement read, “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.”

“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.

“There are no grounds to accuse the Libyan security teams or the Libyan Football Federation of deliberately orchestrating this incident. Such actions are inconsistent with our 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.

“Despite the difficulties we encountered, we did not make public accusations nor question the integrity of the Nigerian authorities. Football, in its essence, unites nations, and we are committed to upholding the spirit of fairness and mutual respect both on and off the field.

“In Libya, we pride ourselves on our hospitality and our welcoming nature. We have always prioritized treating all visiting teams, including our African brothers and other international delegations, with the respect and dignity they deserve

“Hosting these events is a great honor for us, and we strive to ensure that all teams feel safe and respected as our guests. This commitment to equality and hospitality is a core aspect of our culture and tradition.

“We hope that 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.”

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has decided to withdraw the Super Eagles from Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya, following THE ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport.