The Confederation of African Football has condemned the ordeal faced by Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, at a Libyan airport.
We reports that the football body made this known in a statement on Monday titled, “CAF Views the Disturbing and Unacceptable Experiences of the Nigerian National Football Team (‘Super Eagles’) at an Airport in Libya in a Very Serious Light.”
CAF highlighted immediate steps to engage both Libyan and Nigerian authorities, following reports that the team and their staff were left stranded under distressing conditions for several hours.
“The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) has been in contact with the Libyan and Nigerian authorities after it was informed that the Nigerian National Football Team (‘Super Eagles’) and their technical team were stranded in distressing conditions for several hours at an airport that they were allegedly instructed to land at 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,” it read.
Recall that the Super Eagles flew to Libya on Sunday, October 13, in preparation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against the Mediterranean Knights at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15.
After landing at the Al Abraq Airport in Libya, the Super Eagles were left stranded for over 13 hours without any assistance from the host Libyan Football Federation.
A statement from the NFF communication department said the Super Eagles’ chartered aircraft was unexpectedly diverted to Al Abraq Airport, a small airport primarily used for hajj operations, instead of landing at the intended Benghazi Airport.
This unexpected diversion has left the players and officials fatigued and bewildered, as they have not received any reception or transportation to their hotel, which is reportedly a 3-hour drive away in Benghazi.