The Confederation of African Football has launched an investigation into the troubling situation that left Nigeria’s Super Eagles stranded at Al Abraq Airport in Libya for several hour, Soccernet.ng reports.
In an official statement, CAF confirmed that it had been in contact with both Libyan and Nigerian authorities after learning that the Nigerian national football team and its officials were instructed by Libyan authorities to land at the airport under difficult and disturbing conditions.
CAF’s full statement reads: “The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) has been in contact with the Libyan and Nigerian authorities after it had been informed that the Nigerian National Football Team (‘Super Eagles’) and their technical team were stranded in disturbing conditions for several hours at an airport that they were allegedly instructed to land by the Libyan authorities. The matter has been referred to the CAF Disciplinary Board for investigation and appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the CAF Statutes and Regulations.”
The Super Eagles, who were en route to Benghazi for their 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya, were unexpectedly diverted to Al Abraq Airport, located more than two hours away from their intended destination.
Upon landing, the Nigerian contingent was left stranded for more than thirteen hours without any transport provided by the Libyan Football Federation.
Super Eagles defender Tanimu Benjamin highlighted the team’s frustration on social media, writing: “4hrs after arrival, still at the airport. Also still have 2hrs drive to the hotel.”
The incident has created an uproar just hours ahead of Nigeria’s crucial second-leg AFCON qualifier against Libya. But as it stands, the game doesn't look like it would hold as the Nigerian players are reportedly returning to Nigeria.
