After defeating Libya 1-0 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, both teams were set to meet again in Benina for their fourth Group D match.
The Super Eagles flew to Libya on Sunday afternoon, but reports from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) indicated that an hour before arriving in Benghazi, their plane was diverted to Al Abraq, a city over two hours away from their intended destination.
Consequently, the players and staff will now have to drive to Benghazi for the game the AFCON return march on Tuesday.
Videos released by the NFF on Sunday night showed the Nigerian players and officials dealing with issues at a Libyan airport.
The Libyan authorities did not arrange transportation for the Super Eagles to reach their final destination, leading the NFF to seek alternative solutions, which were reportedly blocked by their hosts.
It was reported that the airport gate was locked, preventing the bus from entering.
An insider, speaking anonymously to Daily Trust, suggested that the situation seemed designed to frustrate the players and hinder their preparation for the match.
“The tactics is targeted at frustrating the boys and wearing them out ahead of the game. They want to make it difficult for them to prepare for the match,” the source said.
Journalist Adepoju Tobi Samuel noted that the NFF’s transport plans for the Super Eagles were disrupted during their trip.
According to him, a chartered flight was approved to land in Benghazi, conveniently close to Benina. However, while in the air, the plane was unexpectedly rerouted to Abraq Airport, complicating the team’s travel.
He tweeted, “The agreement and the approval the NFF got was for the chartered flight to land in Benghazi, a few minutes drive to Benina. Airborne the plane was diverted to Abraq Airport.
“The NFF transport arrangement was already in Benghazi. Despite the diversion of the plane, there were no buses provided at the Abraq Airport by the Libyan FA.
“The Super Eagles contingent has been stranded for 3+ hours and locked up at the Abraq Airport.
“NFF made another transport arrangement and they have refused to open the gates.”
Super Eagles defender Tanimu Benjamin also shared an update on X, expressing frustration about being stuck at the airport for hours, with still two hours of driving to the hotel ahead of them.
“4hrs after arrival, still at the airport. Also still have 2hrs drive to the hotel,” he wrote.
Despite efforts to arrange alternative transport, the Nigerian delegation was reportedly confined to the airport, with local authorities not allowing them to leave.
This unprofessional conduct has raised concerns about the treatment of the Super Eagles as they prepare for a crucial match.
Videos of the team waiting at Abraq Airport have gone viral online, while another video from NFF TV shows officials discussing the closed gates with airport authorities.
In the current standings, Libya is at the bottom of Group D with one point, while the Super Eagles lead with seven points, followed by Benin Republic with six and Rwanda with two.
KanyiDaily had reported how Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a 1-0 win against Libya in Oyo, Akwa Ibom State, in their AFCON 2025 qualifier on Friday evening.
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