Super Eagles finally return to Nigeria from Libya

The Super Eagles have finally returned to Nigeria from Libya where they had been stranded since Sunday.

The Super Eagles media officer, Promise Efoghe, announced their arrival in Kano State on Monday evening in a post on the team’s official WhatsApp platform.

Captain William Troost-Ekong also took to his official X account to confirm the arrival of the team in Nigeria.

“BACK HOME, SAFE & SOUND. Proud of this team, NAIJA SPIRIT can’t be broken,” Troost-Ekong wrote.

“Throw at us what you want, it’s in our blood to overcome. I’ve seen a lot in my 10 years with this group, but nothing like this, an experience that has brought us even closer TOGETHER.”

The Confederation of African Football (CAF), meanwhile, has referred Libya’s treatment of the Super Eagles to its disciplinary board.

CAF made this known on Monday afternoon in a statement on its official X account and website, saying it views the disturbing and unacceptable experiences of the Nigerian national football team at an airport in Libya in a very serious light.

“CAF has been in contact with the Libyan and Nigerian authorities after it had been informed that the Super Eagles and their technical team were stranded in disturbing conditions for several hours at an airport that they were allegedly instructed to land by the Libyan authorities,” it wrote.

“The matter has been referred to the CAF disciplinary board for investigation and appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the CAF Statutes and Regulations.”

The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) had earlier denied the allegation of foul play or sabotage against the Super Eagles.

The LFF denied the allegation in a statement after the Super Eagles who were scheduled to face Libya in a 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Tuesday were left stranded at the Al Abak Airport since Sunday.

“We are deeply concerned about the recent reports surrounding the diversion of the Nigerian national team’s flight ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Libya,” the statement read.

“While we regret any inconvenience caused, it is essential to note that such incidents can occur due to routine air traffic control protocols, security checks, or logistical challenges that affect international air travel.

“These are standard procedures at airports worldwide, and delays or rerouting, though unfortunate, are not uncommon.

“We have the utmost respect for our Nigerian counterparts and want to reassure them that the diversion of their flight was not intentional.”

The LFF said there are no grounds to accuse it or the Libyan security teams of deliberately orchestrating the incident because such actions are inconsistent with their values and principles.

“We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation. It is important to highlight that just last week, our own national team faced significant challenges upon our arrival in Nigeria for the third match of the Africa Cup of Nations qualification,” the LFF added.

“Despite the difficulties we encountered, we did not make public accusations nor question the integrity of the Nigerian authorities.”

It said football in its essence unites nations and it is committed to upholding the spirit of fairness and mutual respect both on and off the field.

The LFF said in Libya, they pride themselves on their hospitality and their welcoming nature.

It explained that Libyans have always prioritized treating all visiting teams including their African brothers and other international delegations with the respect and dignity they deserve.

The Libyan football governing body said hosting these events is a great honor for them and they strive to ensure that all teams feel safe and respected as their guests.

It said this commitment to equality and hospitality is a core aspect of the culture and tradition of the North African country.

The LFF said it hopes this misunderstanding can be resolved with understanding and goodwill.

“Our doors are open to our Nigerian brothers and all African teams and we continue to promote the spirit of unity, sportsmanship and friendship in the world of football,” it concluded.

The Federal Government (FG) had, also condemned the treatment of Super Eagles players in Libya as nothing but despicable.

The FG on Monday through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) issued a statement to hit out at Libya.