The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has released a detailed statement addressing the Super Eagles’ recent ordeal in Libya, where the national team was held hostage for 16 hours at Al Abraq International Airport. The Super Eagles had arrived in Libya for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers second-leg match but faced unexpected challenges upon landing.
According to the NFF’s statement, Libyan authorities initially diverted the team’s flight mid-air before forcing them to remain at the airport for several hours. The NFF described the situation as a “dark game” against Nigeria, stressing the unnecessary and dangerous treatment of the players and staff.
The Super Eagles were stranded, unable to proceed with their journey, despite attempts by Nigerian officials and growing pressure from fans on social media. The prolonged delay raised concerns for the safety and well-being of the team, as the standoff continued into the night. Social media platforms quickly became flooded with messages from concerned fans and Nigerian football enthusiasts, urging for a swift resolution.
After hours of uncertainty, the intervention of officials and mounting public outcry finally led to the team’s release. The Super Eagles were then permitted to leave Libya and have since safely returned to Nigeria. In response to the ordeal, the team has decided to boycott the scheduled match in Benghazi.
The NFF’s statement has sparked widespread reactions, with many expressing their relief at the team’s safe return while also criticizing the Libyan authorities for their actions. The Nigerian football community has rallied in support of the Super Eagles, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety and security of athletes when representing the country abroad.
The NFF’s statement highlighted that they are taking the matter seriously and are working with relevant international football organizations to investigate the situation further. The federation has also expressed its gratitude to the fans and officials who advocated for the team’s release, acknowledging the collective effort that led to their safe return.
As the Super Eagles recover from their ordeal, questions remain regarding the circumstances that led to their detainment and the future of Nigeria’s participation in the qualifiers. The NFF’s commitment to ensuring such an incident does not repeat is clear, as they continue to stand behind their players and staff.
