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The Nigerian players are eager to leave Libya amid concerns for their safety
Super Eagles players have again called for help as they remain in a tenuous situation, stuck at the Al Abraq airport in Libya, where they were to play their fourth Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Super Eagles Stranded and Exhausted in Libya
The trouble started when the Super Eagles’ chartered plane, initially set to land in Benghazi, was unexpectedly diverted to Al Abraq, with no assistance from the Libyan Football Federation.
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With no alternate transportation available, the Nigerian team was left stranded, without food or proper rest, for several hours, with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) expressing frustration, and describing the situation as chaotic and exhausting.
Team captain William Troost-Ekong took to social media to express his disappointment with how they were treated, noting that the players would be willing to forego the encounter against Libya.
The NFF have reportedly decided to back the players’ stance and began making plans to fly the team back to Nigeria, effectively pulling them out of the crucial AFCON qualifier against Libya.
Super Eagles players cry for help
As the situation worsened, it was reported that Libya was refusing to sell aviation fuel to the Nigerian chartered aircraft, preventing the team from flying out, while the players' clubs began sending private jets to evacuate them, unfortunately, all to no avail.
Super Eagles players like Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface took to social media, pleading for help, hoping to resolve the situation safely.
“This is getting scary now. You guys can have the point. We just want to return to our country,” Boniface posted on X.
Other players, including Moses Simon and Bruno Onyemaechi, also petitioned CAF to intervene and help them return safely, with defender Bruno Onyemaechi also posting on X saying, "This is no longer a joke o, please we need help to go back to Nigeria @CAF."
After hours of uncertainty, Troost-Ekong finally gave fans a positive update, announcing that their plane was being refuelled and they were preparing to fly home.
His message likely confirmed that the Super Eagles would not be playing their scheduled match against Libya, casting doubt on Nigeria's AFCON qualification hopes.
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