NFF outlines Super Eagles’ Libya ordeal, points the finger at Libyan authorities

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has condemned the hostile treatment received by the Super Eagles in Libya ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

According to NFF Director of Communications, Dr. Ademola Olajire, the team’s-chartered flight was diverted from Benghazi to Al-Abraq International Airport under questionable orders from Libyan authorities.

On arrival, the delegation, including 22 players, NFF officials, and other dignitaries, faced long delays, lack of basic amenities, and disrespect from airport officials.

No Libyan Football Federation (LFF) representative was present, and the team was stranded for hours without food or water.

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The Super Eagles departed from Uyo aboard a chartered ValueJet aircraft on Sunday, October 13, 2024, making a stop at Kano for refueling and immigration formalities before continuing the journey to Benghazi, Libya.

The team expected to arrive just before 8 p.m. local time.

As the aircraft prepared to land in Benghazi, the pilot was instructed to divert to Al-Abraq International Airport, despite having all necessary clearances.

The change was attributed to a directive from “higher authorities,” even though Al-Abraq lacked proper navigational equipment for a safe landing at night.

On arrival at Al-Abraq Airport at 7:50 p.m., the Nigerian delegation encountered numerous issues.

The airport lacked basic facilities, and officials used mobile phones to scan passports due to the absence of standard scanning equipment.

No representative from the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) was present to receive the team, and airport officials could not provide answers regarding transportation.

NFF officials, including President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau and Edo State Deputy Governor Comrade Philip Shaibu, were treated disrespectfully when they sought clarifications on transport arrangements.

Despite repeated assurances from the LFF General Secretary that buses would arrive in “10 minutes,” the delegation was left waiting for several hours.

By midnight, communication with Libyan officials had ceased, and NFF personnel had to intervene to prevent a confrontation with security personnel at the airport.

The team endured severe discomfort, with no food, water, or internet access provided.

Growing frustration and exhaustion among the players led to concerns about their ability to compete in the scheduled match.

At around midnight, it was disclosed that Libyan authorities had deliberately delayed the Nigerian team for at least 10 hours, allegedly in retaliation for fabricated grievances related to the Libyan team’s experience in Nigeria.

NFF President Gusau expressed outrage at the situation, describing it as a betrayal of the spirit of sportsmanship.

He criticized the actions of Libyan authorities as “despicable” and unbefitting of international football relations.

The NFF outlined that the Libyan team’s earlier claims of mistreatment in Nigeria were unfounded.

Libyan officials had chosen to travel by road instead of using the transportation provided by the NFF, despite safety concerns.

After enduring a night without basic necessities and rising fears for the safety and health of the players, NFF officials contacted higher authorities in Nigeria and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The Super Eagles captain, William Ekong, expressed concerns that the team was physically and mentally unfit to compete due to fatigue and mistreatment.

By morning, the Nigerian delegation was visited by representatives from the Nigerian Embassy in Libya, who brought food and expressed shock at the ordeal.

After more delays, the team finally departed Libya around 3 p.m. the next day.

The NFF is awaiting CAF’s decision regarding the unplayed match, having detailed the unacceptable treatment received in Libya and called for sanctions against the Libyan Football Federation.

The incident marks a low point in international football relations, with the NFF hopeful that such events will be appropriately addressed by CAF to preserve the integrity of the sport.