CurrentReport Blog The Super Eagles of Nigeria were held by Libyan authorities at Al-Abaq Airport on Sunday night, following a sudden diversion of their flight en route to Benghazi. According to Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe, the team’s chartered aircraft was approaching Benghazi when it was unexpectedly redirected to a different city, over two hours away from their intended destination.
The Nigerian national team had departed for Libya on Sunday morning ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match. However, the team’s journey was disrupted upon arrival, with players and officials delayed at the airport.
The situation comes amid ongoing tensions between the two nations’ football teams. Libyan players had earlier complained of poor treatment upon their arrival in Nigeria last week, where they faced the Super Eagles in the third matchday of the AFCON qualifiers. Libya lost the encounter 1-0, with Nigerian midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scoring the decisive goal in the 86th minute.
As of now, the reason for the Super Eagles’ diversion and delay remains unclear. The Nigerian team is expected to continue their preparations for the reverse fixture, as officials work to resolve the situation.