The Super Eagles of Nigeria and some officials of the NFF were detained at Al-Abaq Airport by Libyan immigration officers on Sunday. This was amid the team’s journey to Benghazi for a crucial AFCON 2025 qualifier against hosts Libya.
Having left Uyo in the morning, the Super Eagles briefly stopped in Kano and flew to Tripoli. Initially, they intended to drive by road to Benghazi to the match at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium, then decided to fly directly there to avoid the physical burden of a long drive.
But their plane inexplicably landed at Al-Abaq Airport, two hours away from the destination. The Nigerian delegation, upon arrival, was held hostage at the airport, with reasons behind this disruption not yet clear.
With the Super Eagles preparing for the return leg of the AFCON qualifier-a game they won 1-0 away in Nigeria thanks to a goal by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru-the encounter is billed for Tuesday, October 15, at 8:00 pm WAT. Nigeria would hope the issue gets settled as soon as possible to rest and prepare for the crucial match.