BREAKING: Nigeria’s Super Eagles stranded in Libya ahead of AFCON qualifier

Nigeria’s senior male football team, the Super Eagles, are stranded in Libya, where they are scheduled to play the second leg of their AFCON 2025 Qualifier match.

Following Libya’s 1-0 loss to Nigeria in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, both teams were set to clash again in Benina, Libya, for their fourth Group D encounter.

The Super Eagles departed for Libya on Sunday afternoon.

However, according to reports from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the team’s aircraft was diverted to Al Abraq, a city over two hours away from their intended destination of Benghazi, just an hour before landing.

The players and officials were forced to travel by road to Benghazi.

In videos shared by the NFF on Sunday night, Nigerian players and officials were seen attempting to resolve the situation at a Libyan airport.

Libyan authorities reportedly failed to provide transportation, and alternative arrangements made by the NFF were frustrated.

The airport gate was reportedly locked to prevent access to buses intended to transport the team.

An insider speaking to News360 Nigeria suggested that these delays were tactics designed to frustrate and exhaust the Super Eagles ahead of the match.

Despite the challenges, the Super Eagles currently top Group D with seven points, while Libya remains at the bottom with one point. The other teams in the group are Benin Republic (six points) and Rwanda (two points).