20 Points of a 20-Hour Ordeal on Libyan Soil: NFF Gives Full Details
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Director of Communications, Dr. Ademola Olajire, has provided a detailed account of the Super Eagles’ harrowing experience during their trip to Libya for a 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifier. Here is the point-by-point breakdown:
- Departure from Uyo: The ValueJet aircraft left Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, at 11:55 am on Sunday, October 13, 2024, and arrived in Kano at 1:10 pm for immigration checks and refueling.
- Takeoff from Kano: The flight departed Kano at 3:18 pm, with an expected arrival in Benghazi after 3 hours and 35 minutes, just before 8 pm Libyan time.
- Diversion to Al-Abraq Airport: As the aircraft approached Benghazi, the pilot was redirected to Al-Abraq International Airport due to orders from “higher authorities,” despite having proper landing clearance for Benghazi.
- Landing at Al-Abraq: The team arrived at Al-Abraq Airport, a poorly equipped facility, at 7:50 pm. Officials used mobile phones to scan passports due to the lack of proper scanning machines.
- Rude Reception: The delegation, which included 22 players, team officials, NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, and other dignitaries, was met with disrespectful treatment by airport officials.
- Luggage Delays: Despite immediate offloading, it took over an hour for the team’s luggage to be delivered.
- No Welcome from Libyan Football Federation (LFF): There were no LFF representatives or transportation waiting for the team at the airport.
- Security Blockade: When NFF officials tried to investigate the transport situation, they were rudely stopped by airport security.
- False Promises: The LFF General Secretary repeatedly promised buses would arrive in 10 minutes, but this stretched to hours, and eventually, he became unreachable.
- No Food or Water: The team was left without access to basic necessities like food, water, or communication, which heightened frustration among the players and staff.
- Deliberate Delay: The team was informed they would be delayed for at least 10 hours, allegedly as payback for supposed mistreatment of the Libyan team in Nigeria—claims the NFF refuted.
- Misunderstanding in Nigeria: The NFF clarified that the Libyan team’s arrival in Nigeria was mishandled by the LFF, which had notified them of a change in airport location only hours before landing.
- NFF President’s Reaction: NFF President Gusau condemned the treatment, calling it “despicable” and against the spirit of football, which is meant to foster unity.
- Embassy Rebuffed: The Nigerian embassy in Libya had attempted to welcome the team but was denied permission by Libyan authorities.
- Players’ Response: To cope with the ordeal, the players tried to distract themselves by playing games, chatting, and listening to music.
- Safety Concerns: Higher authorities in Nigeria expressed serious concerns about the safety of the team, with players suffering from hunger, dehydration, and stress.
- Calls to CAF: The NFF notified CAF of the situation and called for sanctions against the Libyan authorities, citing the hostile and inhumane treatment the team faced.
- Relief from Nigerian Community: At dawn, a representative of the Nigerian community in Eastern Libya arrived with basic provisions like croissants and drinks for the team.
- Decision to Return Home: After lengthy discussions, it was decided that the match would not proceed, and the team would return to Nigeria to await CAF’s decision.
- Departure: The team eventually departed Al-Abraq Airport at 3:05 pm on Monday, October 14, after waiting for refueling, and headed back to Kano and then to Abuja.
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