Get Guardian on GoogleThe Nigerian delegation for Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya remains stranded at Al Abraq Airport, 12 hours after their arrival.
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The Director of Communications at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ademola Olajire, stated on Monday morning that they understand Al Abraq International Airport is typically used only for hajj operations.
According to the statement, the chartered ValueJet flight was unexpectedly diverted to the smaller airport as the pilot was approaching Benghazi.
The statement continued: “Fatigued players and officials have remained nonplussed as the host Libyan Football Federation failed to send any reception team or vehicles to transport the delegation to their hotel, reportedly three hours away in Benghazi.
“The NFF had arranged separate vehicles for the team, but this plan was disrupted by the aircraft’s diversion.
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“Players have now resolved not to play the match, while NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home.”
The NFF also disclosed that efforts to secure accommodations near the airport were unsuccessful, as local hotels were allegedly instructed not to accept Nigerians.
The statement added: “The NFF was prepared to book hotel rooms for players and officials near the airport, but all hotels informed us that they had been instructed not to welcome Nigerians.
“Our aircraft crew searched for hotel rooms but received the same response. However, the captain was offered a room because he is North African, but he declined and chose to stay with the crew and sleep in the aircraft.”
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