* Airport where Super Eagles players slept in Libya
By Pathfinder Reporter
Monday October 14, 2024
Please, share this story:
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has launched an investigation into the disturbing scenes at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya, where the Nigerian Super Eagles were detained.
In an official statement released on Monday, October 14, by CAF’s communications department, the organization vowed to take appropriate action against those responsible through its disciplinary board.
The statement reads: “The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) has been in contact with the Libyan and Nigerian authorities after it had been informed that the Nigerian National Football Team (‘’Super Eagles’’) and their technical team were stranded in disturbing conditions for several hours at an airport that they were allegedly instructed to land by the Libyan authorities.”
The matter has been referred to the CAF Disciplinary Board for investigation and appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the CAF Statutes and Regulations.
Recall that the Super Eagles contingents have now been granted passage to exit Libya after being held for over 14 hours at the Al Abraq International Airport.
* FG summons Libyan Charge d’affaires in Abuja
The Federal Government on Monday summoned the Libyan Charge d’Affaires in Abuja over the alleged mistreatment of the Super Eagles players and officials during their stay in Libya for the AFCON qualifiers.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuga, disclosed this to journalists after a meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
* Super Eagles set to board flight back to Nigeria, pull out of Libya clash
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles players and officials are set to leave Libya after enduring over 14 hours of maltreatment from the host country on Sunday.
This development was confirmed by the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa via her X handle.
She wrote, “Super Eagles team now boarding . Journey mercies to all of them.”
Super Eagles team now boarding . Journey mercies to all of them pic.twitter.com/1segYbY7GH
— abikedabiri (@abikedabiri) October 14, 2024
A Super Eagles player, Bruno Onyemaechi, also confirmed the team will soon leave for Nigeria.
He wrote, “Me and Libya, I don wash my hands commot. Nothing concerns me and una again. Thank God I’m going back.”
The Nigerian team had earlier been stranded after Libyan authorities allegedly refused to grant permission for their chartered flight to refuel and return to Nigeria.
* Libyan authorities hold Eagles hostage
Super Eagles media team on Sunday night confirmed that players and officials of Nigeria’s senior men’s national team were held hostage by Libyan authorities upon their arrival at Al Abaq Airport in Al Abaq, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
In a video posted by the Eagles media team, the players and officials, along with their luggage, were left stranded at the airport, with the Libyan airport officials indifferent to their plight and conversing in Arabic.
The Eagles departed for Libya on Sunday morning, ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matchday 4 clash against the Mediterranean Knights.
Initially scheduled to fly into Tripoli and travel by road to Benghazi, the team altered their plans to avoid unnecessary strain. Instead, they chartered a flight with a brief stopover in Kano before continuing to Benghazi. Libya will host the three-time African champions at the 10,000-capacity Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benina, located just 10 kilometres from Benghazi, but reports emerged that they were diverted to another city.
“About an hour to landing, the Nigerian aircraft approaching its destination, Benghazi, was diverted to another city more than a two-hour drive from the original destination,” the Eagles media team said.
Nigeria secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Libya at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday courtesy of a late Fisayo Dele-Bashiru strike. The second leg between the two countries will take place on Tuesday, October 15, with the Eagles hoping to maintain their unbeaten runs.
* Libyan FA reacts: ‘We faced difficulties too in Nigeria’
The Libyan Football Association has issued an official statement regarding the mistreatment of Nigeria’s Super Eagles and their delegates during their arrival in Libya.
The Nigerian national football team endured a frustrating ordeal upon landing in Libya as they were left stranded at the airport by local officials.
Their flight, originally bound for a different location, was diverted, leading the team to arrive at an unexpected airport.
As a result, the Super Eagles players, along with representatives of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), were forced to spend over 15 hours at the airport, without adequate provisions or sustenance, before making further travel arrangements.
Reacting via an official statement released on their official account on X, the Libyan FA said, “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.”
The Libyan FA also stated that the issue the Super Eagles faced occurred as a result of logistic challenges.
“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.”
Vanguard News
We are here to serve you with quality news and information.
However, your donations, reactions and advert placement are welcome.
Contact us on 08033783144 (WhatsApp)
08023469999
idowuadelusi@yahoo.com, idowuadelusi@gmail.com,
thepathfindernews0@gmail.com
Follow our reports also on X @idowuadelusi and Facebook (Idowu Oluwole Adelusi)