BREAKING: NFF withdraws Eagles from AFCON qualifier against Libya

The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed that the Super Eagles will not proceed with their scheduled Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya, originally set for Tuesday.

The decision follows a challenging ordeal for the team in Libya.

According to the NFF, the contingent spent over 13 hours stranded at Al-Abraq Airport after being denied entry into the country.

Despite prior clearance to land in Benghazi, Libyan authorities unexpectedly barred the team from entering, locking the airport gates and leaving the players without access to food, water, or communication.

Meanwhile, given the lack of support and the logistical challenges presented by the situation, the NFF cited safety concerns as a key factor in their drastic decision to withdraw the team from the crucial qualifier.

“The Nigerian delegation for Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya is still at Al Abraq Airport, 12 hours after landing. The chartered ValueJet aircraft was, strangely and in a dangerous manner, diverted to the small airport just as the pilot was completing his approach to Benghazi Airport,” the NFF stated.

The NFF further noted that the fatigued and frustrated players have now resolved not to play the match.

The NFF, supporting the players’ decision, is now arranging for the team to fly back to Nigeria, effectively pulling them out of the fixture.

“Players have resolved not to play the match any longer, and NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home,” the statement concluded.

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