The Nigerian Federal Government has intervened after the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national football team, were left stranded in Libya for over 13 hours.
The team, which arrived in the country on Sunday, October 13, 2024, is there to prepare for their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against the Libyan national team, the Mediterranean Knights. The game is scheduled for Tuesday, October 15, at 8 p.m.
After landing at Al Abraq Airport in Libya, the Super Eagles were met with an unexpected challenge. The Libyan Football Federation, which was supposed to assist them, provided no support.
The team was left without access to basic necessities, including food, water, or internet, for more than half a day. Frustration built up as the hours passed, and the situation became more concerning.
William Troost-Ekong, the captain of the Super Eagles, took to social media to express his frustration.
On his Instagram story, Troost-Ekong spoke about the poor treatment the team received and revealed that the Super Eagles had made the decision not to play the scheduled match under these conditions.
In response to the situation, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs quickly got involved.
Alkasim Abdulkadir, the Media and Communications Special Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, provided updates on the government’s efforts to resolve the issue.
He explained that the Minister has been in direct communication with the Super Eagles and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).
Abdulkadir also mentioned that although the Libyan authorities had not yet authorized travel for the Nigerian Mission in Libya to reach the Super Eagles in Bayda City, efforts were being made. He stated that the head of the Nigerian Community in Benghazi, Mr. Morris Eromosele, had arrived at the team’s location to provide supplies and internet access.
In his update on X (formerly Twitter), Abdulkadir wrote: “Update: @YusufTuggar is in touch with the Nigerian Mission in Libya through the CDA Amb Stephen Anthony Awuru…the Minister continues to monitor the unfortunate event through the CDA and awaits a report for further action.”
