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The Nigerian government has summoned Libya’s Chargé d’Affaires to address the troubling experience faced by the Super Eagles, who were left stranded for over 12 hours upon their arrival in Libya for an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier. Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar confirmed the diplomatic action, highlighting the urgency of resolving the situation.
Incident Overview
After securing a 1-0 victory against Libya in the first leg of the qualifier in Uyo, the Super Eagles arrived in Libya only to encounter unexpected difficulties. Their flight was diverted from Benghazi to Al Abraq International Airport, a remote area typically used for religious travel. Upon arrival, the players and coaching staff were left stranded without access to basic necessities such as food, water, or transportation.
Team captain William Troost-Ekong expressed frustration, stating that they felt “held hostage” under unsafe and unacceptable conditions. In response to the incident, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has backed the players’ decision to refuse participation in the upcoming match against Libya.
Government’s Reaction
Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar described the situation as “regrettable” and assured that Nigerian officials are actively engaging with Libyan authorities to find a resolution. Tuggar hinted that the incident may be linked to a prior issue, where the Libyan team encountered delays upon arriving in Nigeria.
“We are in communication with the relevant Libyan officials and are working toward a swift resolution,” the minister affirmed.
Public Response
The treatment of the Super Eagles has ignited outrage among fans and sports commentators alike. On social media, the hashtag #EaglesStranded has gained traction, with many expressing their support for the team and calling for improved conditions for African teams during international competitions.
Looking Forward
As diplomatic talks continue between Nigeria and Libya, attention remains on how this matter will be resolved. Despite the challenges, the Super Eagles are staying focused on their AFCON qualification campaign, with hopes of securing positive results in future matches.
