The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar has assured that the Federal Government is currently in touch with the Nigerian Mission in Libya concerning the state of the Super Eagles.
Following Libya’s 1-0 loss to Nigeria in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Friday, both teams were expected to face off again in Benina, Benghazi, Libya for their fourth Group D match.
LEADERSHIP reports that the team had departed for Libya on Sunday afternoon, but reports from the Nigerian Football Federation NFF, said about an hour to the team’s landing at Benghazi, the Nigerian aircraft was diverted to Al Abraq, a city which is more than two hours’ drive from Benghazi.
This left players and officials stranded without any assistance from the Libyan Football Federation, which failed to provide transportation.
Tuggar took to his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday to assure that efforts were being made to rescue the situation.
“I have been closely monitoring the situation involving the Super Eagles in Libya.
“Through the Head of 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,” he stated.
LEADERSHIP earlier reported the Nigeria’s Super Eagles threatening to boycott the second leg of Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya.
This followed alleged maltreatment of the Nigeria’s contingent for the match by the Libyan government officials who kept and refused to clear the entire team at the Al Abaq Airport, 12 hours after they landed.
A statement by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday morning disclosed that the Super Eagles were still at Al Abraq Airport 12 hours after landing in Libya!
“The delegation of Nigeria to Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya still remained at the Al Abraq Airport 12 hours after landing in Libya.
“The chartered ValueJet aircraft was, strangely and in a dangerous manner, diverted to the small airport away from Benghazi just as the pilot was completing his approach to the Benghazi Airport. We understand the Al Abraq International Airport is only used for hajj operations.
“Fatigued players and officials have remained nonplussed as the host Libyan Football Federation failed to send any reception team or even vehicles to take the delegation members from the airport to their hotel, said to be 3 hours away in Benghazi.
“The NFF made arrangements for separate vehicles for the team but the plan was unhinged by the diversion of the aircraft.
“Players have resolved not to play the match any longer as NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home.”
