By Daily Sports Nigeria on October 14, 2024

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it’s currently in touch with the Nigerian Mission in Libya concerning the state of the Super Eagles – the country’s senior men’s football team.

The Nigerian contingent, who were billed to land in Benghazi for the second leg of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya, scheduled for Tuesday, was unexpectedly diverted mid-flight to Al Abraq, a small airport typically reserved for hajj operations.

The unexpected diversion left the players and officials stranded without any assistance from the Libyan Football Federation, which failed to provide transportation.

Reacting to the development on Monday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, revealed via his X handle, that he’s making efforts to rescue the situation.

He added that early Monday morning at exactly 6 am, the Nigerian contingent was provided with internet access and necessary supplies.

The minister, however, lamented that Libyan authorities were yet to authorise them (the Nigerian contingent) to travel to Bayda City where the airport is located.

Tuggar wrote, “I have been closely monitoring the situation involving the Super Eagles in Libya. Through the Head of the Nigerian Mission in Tripoli, Libya, Amb. Stephen Anthony Awuru, the Mission has maintained contact with the NFF, and the Libyan authorities since last night. Despite efforts, Libyan authorities have not yet authorised the Nigerian Mission’s trip to Bayda City, where the airport is located.

“In the meantime, the Head of the Nigerian Community in Benghazi, Mr Morris Eromosele, arrived at the location at 6 am this morning with necessary supplies and internet access. We will continue to follow developments and await a report for further action.”

The situation has drawn nationwide criticism, with some Nigerians calling for the immediate withdrawal of the Super Eagles back to Nigeria, while some others condemned the late response of the Confederation of African Football to address the matter.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong has condemned the treatment of the team after they were stranded for over 12 hours at Al Abaq Airport in Libya.

“12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Libya after our plane was diverted whilst descending. The Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi without reason. They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without a phone connection, food, or drink. All to play mind games.

“I’ve experienced issues before while playing away in Africa, but this is disgraceful behaviour,” among others.

Source Punch Ng

Posted October 14, 2024

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