Nigeria’s Super Eagles are currently stranded in Libya ahead of the return leg of their double-header in the qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Afrosport reports.
The three-time African champions defeated the Mediterranean Knights 1-0 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, October 11, with the two sides set to meet in matchday four on Tuesday, October 15.
However, the Super Eagles, who left for Libya on Sunday morning, were met with an unexpected twist. According to reports from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), just an hour before they were set to land, the aircraft conveying the players and staff was diverted to a city over two hours away from Benghazi.
The Nigerian entourage has now been reportedly stranded at the Al Abaq airport in Al Abaq, Libya, for over four hours as they continue to wait for their visas, just about 48 hours to their match.
OVER 4 HOURS.
Super Eagles are still at Libya airport.
GATE LOCKED. pic.twitter.com/6r0ab23AWl
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) October 13, 2024
The NFF’s initial agreement was for a chartered flight to land in Benghazi, which is about 19 km away from Benina, the location for their match.
The Al Abaq airport is estimated to be about a three-hour drive to Benina, further stressing the players.
Meanwhile, Super Eagles defender, Benjamin Tanimu, gave an update of the situation with a post on his X account.
The Crawley Town defender wrote, “4hrs after arrival, still at the airport. Also still have 2hrs drive to the hotel.”
4hrs after arrival, still at the airport 😪😪
Also still have 2hrs drive to the hotel 😂😂@OgaNlaMedia pic.twitter.com/rBDMOF08B1
— Tanimu Benjamin — BT28 (@TaniBenjamin28) October 13, 2024
The Super Eagles are slated to take on Libya on Tuesday at the Martrys of Benina Stadium, with kick-off set for 8 p.m. West African Time.
