Why Nigerian players got stranded at the airport for hours – Libyan Football Federation explains

In a statement shared on their X (formerly known as Twitter) page on October 14, 2024, the Libyan FF stated that the rerouting of the Nigerian flight occurred due to routine air traffic control measures, security checks, and logistics that affected the flight.

They also noted that the Libyan team faced a similar challenge when they traveled to Nigeria to play their 2025 AFCON qualifiers, yet they do not harbor any resentment towards the team.

“While we regret any inconvenience caused, it is essential to note that such incidents can occur due to routine air traffic control protocols, security checks, or logistical challenges that affect international air travel. These are standard procedures at airports worldwide, and delays or rerouting, though unfortunate, are not uncommon.

“We have the utmost respect for our Nigerian counterparts and want to reassure them that the diversion of their flight was not intentional. It is important to highlight that just last week, our own national team faced significant challenges upon our arrival in Nigeria for the third match of the Africa Cup of Nations qualification,” portions of the statement read.

The Libyan federation also denied claims of deliberately maltreating the Nigerian team to frustrate the players ahead of their tie.

“There are no grounds to accuse the Libyan security teams or the Libyan Football Federation of deliberately orchestrating this incident. Such actions are inconsistent with our values and principles. We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation. We hope that this misunderstanding can be resolved with understanding and goodwill.”

Background:

The Super Eagles of Nigeria were stranded at Al-Abaq Airport ahead of their return encounter in the 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Libya.

As per reports, the team’s chartered flight was headed towards the city of Benghazi before it was rerouted to a different location mid-air.

The Super Eagles team and officials departed for the North African state in the early hours of Sunday, October 13.

The Nigerian Football Federation have since announced that the Super Eagles will not honor the match.

Read the full statement in the tweet below:

🚨Statement:

1- We are deeply concerned about the recent reports surrounding the diversion of the Nigerian national team’s flight ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Libya.#Caf #Libya #Nigeria #football

— Libyan FF – الإتحاد الليبي لكرة القدم (@Libyan_FF) October 14, 2024

2- While we regret any inconvenience caused, it is essential to note that such incidents can occur due to routine air traffic control protocols, security checks, or logistical challenges that affect international air travel.#Caf #Libya #Nigeria #football

— Libyan FF – الإتحاد الليبي لكرة القدم (@Libyan_FF) October 14, 2024

3- These are standard procedures at airports worldwide, and delays or rerouting, though unfortunate, are not uncommon.
We have the utmost respect for our Nigerian counterparts and want to reassure them that the diversion of their flight was not intentional.#Caf #Libya #Nigeria

— Libyan FF – الإتحاد الليبي لكرة القدم (@Libyan_FF) October 14, 2024

4- There are no grounds to accuse the Libyan security teams or the Libyan Football Federation of deliberately orchestrating this incident. Such actions are inconsistent with our values and principles.#Caf #Libya #Nigeria #football

— Libyan FF – الإتحاد الليبي لكرة القدم (@Libyan_FF) October 14, 2024

5- We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation.
It is important to highlight that just last week, our own national team faced significant challenges upon our arrival in Nigeria for the third match of the Africa Cup of Nations qualification.

— Libyan FF – الإتحاد الليبي لكرة القدم (@Libyan_FF) October 14, 2024

6- Despite the difficulties we encountered, we did not make public accusations nor question the integrity of the Nigerian authorities. Football, in its essence, unites nations, and we are committed to upholding the spirit of fairness and mutual respect both on and off the field.

— Libyan FF – الإتحاد الليبي لكرة القدم (@Libyan_FF) October 14, 2024

7- In Libya, we pride ourselves on our hospitality and our welcoming nature. We have always prioritized treating all visiting teams, including our African brothers and other international delegations, with the respect and dignity they deserve.#Caf #Libya #Nigeria #football

— Libyan FF – الإتحاد الليبي لكرة القدم (@Libyan_FF) October 14, 2024

8- Hosting these events is a great honor for us, and we strive to ensure that all teams feel safe and respected as our guests. This commitment to equality and hospitality is a core aspect of our culture and tradition.#Caf #Libya #Nigeria #football

— Libyan FF – الإتحاد الليبي لكرة القدم (@Libyan_FF) October 14, 2024

9- We hope that this misunderstanding can be resolved with understanding and goodwill. Our doors are open to our Nigerian brothers and all African teams, and we continue to promote the spirit of unity, sportsmanship, and friendship in the world of football.#Caf #Libya #Nigeria

— Libyan FF – الإتحاد الليبي لكرة القدم (@Libyan_FF) October 14, 2024