20 Points of a 20-Hour Ordeal on Libyan Soil: NFF Gives Full Details

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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Luggage Delays: Despite immediate offloading, it took over an hour for the team’s luggage to be delivered.
  7. No Welcome from Libyan Football Federation (LFF): There were no LFF representatives or transportation waiting for the team at the airport.
  8. Security Blockade: When NFF officials tried to investigate the transport situation, they were rudely stopped by airport security.
  9. False Promises: The LFF General Secretary repeatedly promised buses would arrive in 10 minutes, but this stretched to hours, and eventually, he became unreachable.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. Embassy Rebuffed: The Nigerian embassy in Libya had attempted to welcome the team but was denied permission by Libyan authorities.
  15. Players’ Response: To cope with the ordeal, the players tried to distract themselves by playing games, chatting, and listening to music.
  16. Safety Concerns: Higher authorities in Nigeria expressed serious concerns about the safety of the team, with players suffering from hunger, dehydration, and stress.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. 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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