The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, have safely returned to Nigeria after enduring a challenging ordeal in Libya, where they were scheduled to play a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier. The team, stranded for over 15 hours at Al Abraq airport, arrived in Kano on Monday evening, to the relief of fans and officials alike.
Super Eagles Media Officer, Promise Efoghe, confirmed their return, expressing both exhaustion and relief. “We have finally returned to Nigeria, just landed in Kano,” Efoghe told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The team’s ordeal began after their chartered flight, provided by ValueJet, was unexpectedly diverted from Benghazi to the Al Abraq airport. Upon arrival, the team and its officials were left stranded without basic necessities such as food, water, or proper accommodations for more than 15 hours. Despite these conditions, the team remained resolute, embodying the resilience and determination that Nigeria’s football is known for.
Captain of the Super Eagles, William Troost-Ekong, took to social media to share his thoughts on the experience, reflecting the indomitable spirit of the team. “Back home safe and sound. Proud of this team, Naija Spirit can’t be broken. Throw at us what you want, it’s in our blood to overcome,” Troost-Ekong wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, capturing the sentiment of a team undeterred by adversity.
Similarly, Super Eagles forward and Bayer Leverkusen striker, Victor Boniface, also confirmed their safe return to Nigeria, posting, “Back to Nigeria” on his X account. Despite the ordeal, the team remains focused on their upcoming AFCON qualifier, determined to put the incident behind them.
Stranded in Libya
The situation in Libya has raised concerns among football fans and officials alike. NAN reports that the diversion of the Super Eagles’ flight from Benghazi to Al Abraq airport was sudden and unexpected. Upon arrival at the remote airport, the team and officials found themselves stranded, with no access to basic supplies such as food and water, adding to the challenges they faced.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has expressed its concern over the treatment of the Super Eagles and has since launched an investigation into the incident. In a statement released on Monday, CAF confirmed that it had been in communication with both the Libyan and Nigerian authorities to address the matter. The football governing body described the situation as “disturbing” and has vowed to ensure that such incidents do not occur again.
CAF’s swift response has provided some reassurance to Nigerian fans, but the ordeal has highlighted ongoing challenges faced by African teams during international competitions. The stranded Super Eagles remained composed throughout the incident, a testament to their professionalism and perseverance. Their return to Nigeria, albeit delayed, marks the end of a difficult chapter ahead of their crucial AFCON qualifier.
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