The Libya Football Federation (LFF) has responded to allegations of mistreatment involving the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, during their recent visit to Libya for the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
The Nigerian team was reportedly delayed and rerouted to a different airport upon arrival in Libya, leading to confusion and frustration. The situation has caused an uproar both in the media and on social platforms, as the Super Eagles were left stranded for more than 14 hours.
The Nigerian players traveled to Libya on a private jet for their scheduled match in Benghazi. However, about an hour before landing, their flight was unexpectedly diverted to Al Abraq International Airport, which is primarily used for Hajj flights, rather than Benghazi’s main airport.
According to reports, this sudden change created logistical difficulties, as the bus arranged by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to transport the team to the match venue was not allowed to enter the airport premises.
Due to the issues faced upon arrival and the delays caused, the Super Eagles eventually decided to cancel their participation in the match and return to Nigeria.
The situation sparked reactions from both fans and officials, with many questioning whether the Libyan authorities intentionally created obstacles for the Nigerian team.
In response, the Libyan Football Federation issued a statement, clarifying their stance and rejecting claims of intentional foul play. The LFF explained that the diversion of the flight was a result of routine procedures, including air traffic control protocols and security checks, which are common in international travel.
The statement reads: “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.”
“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.
“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. 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.
“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.”
“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.
“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.
“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,” the LFF stated.
