The team was stranded at the airport for 13 hours en route to their match with the Mediterranean Knights.
That 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier was supposed to take place Tuesday in Libya. But the Nigerian players and officials were left stranded at the Al Abraq Airport in the North African country. Their flight was meant to land at the Benghazi Airport but was rerouted.
Photos and videos of the players and officers sleeping on benches at the airport with their luggage littered on the floor made headlines early Tuesday. Players said they were without food and access to the internet during the 13 hours.
The development triggered an outrage from Nigerians. Despite the condemnations, CAF is yet to comment on the matter as of now.
Irked by the treatment meted out to the Nigerian contingent, the Federal Government condemned the situation and likened it to hostage-taking.
The Minister of Sports Development John Enoh has escalated the matter to relevant authorities.
“All through the night, I have escalated the matter and involved all necessary authorities. From the Foreign Affairs Minister, the National Security Adviser, the DG NIA, Amaju Pinnick, our CAF Executive member. I have also remained in touch with both the president of the NFF, who is on the ground with the team, and the Chairman of Value Jet, owners of the plane that airlifted the team to Libya,” he said.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, towed a similar line as the minister and condemned the incident.
She called on CAF to intervene in the inhumane action meted out to the senior national team in Libya.
Already, the Nigerian authorities have sent supplies to the team following the crisis.
“In the meantime, the Head of the Nigerian Community in Benghazi, Mr. Morris Eromosele, arrived at the location at 6 am this morning with necessary supplies and internet access,” the Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar said. “We will continue to follow developments and await a report for further action.”
