Super Eagles Locked Up Inside Libya Airport For Four Hours

Players and officials of the Super Eagles have found themselves stranded at Al Abaq Airport in Libya, following an unexpected diversion during their flight to Benghazi.

The team arrived in Libya hours ago, only to face logistical challenges that have disrupted their travel plans.

According to reports from journalist Adepoju Tobi Samuel, the Nigerian Football Federation’s (NFF) transport arrangements for the Super Eagles were thrown into disarray when the aircraft, which had been en route to Benghazi, was redirected to Al Abaq—more than two hours away by road from their intended destination.

The NFF had secured approval for a chartered flight to land in Benghazi, conveniently located near Benina Airport.

However, just an hour before landing, the flight was unexpectedly rerouted, leaving the team stranded and complicating their preparations ahead of their scheduled activities in Libya.

He tweeted, “The agreement and the approval the NFF got was for the chartered flight to land in Benghazi, a few minutes drive to Benina.

“Airborne the plane was diverted to Abraq Airport.

“The NFF transport arrangement was already in Benghazi. Despite the diversion of the plane, there were no buses provided at the Abraq Airport by the Libyan FA.

“The Super Eagles contingent has been stranded for 3+ hours and locked up at the Abraq Airport.

“NFF made another transport arrangement and they have refused to open the gates.

“Abraq Airport to Benina City is almost a three-hour drive.”

Meanwhile, Super Eagles defender, Tanimu Benjamin tweeted an update about the situation, lamenting the 4 hours spent stranded at the airport.

Benjamin wrote, “4hrs after arrival, still at the airport. Also still have 2hrs drive to the hotel.”

The Super Eagles are scheduled to take on Libya on Tuesday in the second leg of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The first leg saw the Super Eagles triumph 1-0 in Uyo, as they put themselves in good stead for a qualification ticket to next year’s AFCON in Morocco.