Image
October 14, 2024
SaharaReporters had reported how the team had been stranded for over 13 hours in the North African country after the host country’s authorities disrupted their travel plans.
The Nigeria Football Federation has begun plans to evacuate the players and coaches of the country’s national team, Super Eagles from Libya.
SaharaReporters had reported how the team had been stranded for over 13 hours in the North African country after the host country’s authorities disrupted their travel plans.
This made the players withdraw from playing their upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Libya scheduled to hold on Tuesday.
In a statement on Monday, the NFF said the team was still at the Al Abraq Airport.
In the statement titled, ‘Super Eagles still at Al Abraq Airport 12 hours after landing in Libya!’ the NFF detailed the situation.
The statement reads: “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.”
Tweet URL
Follow the Sahara Reporters channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaFClvtH5JM6SSsP7M2Y