Super Eagles arrive Nigeria after ordeal in Libya

Nigeria, Boniface, Super Eagles captain, Libya airport

The Super Eagles have arrived in Nigeria after their ordeal in Libya for a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.

Super Eagles players and officials were stranded for about 13 hours at the airport in Libya ahead of their AFCON game slated for Tuesday.

Pictures of the players sleeping on chairs were shared by Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, prompting condemnation from Nigerian authorities.

The team’s striker Victor Boniface, in a post on X on Monday, said the players and officials have arrived in Nigeria.

“Back to Nigeria 🇳🇬❤️❤️ Next of kin you try ooooo,” Boniface wrote.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) had earlier announced the commencement of an investigation into the ill-treatment of Super Eagles players by Libyan authorities at the Al Abaq Airport in the North African country.

CAF said its Disciplinary Board for Investigation has commenced an investigation into the accident, noting that appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the Federation’s rules.

‘This is getting scary’: Boniface gives update on Super Eagles ordeal in Libya

CAF, in a statement on Monday, said: “The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) has been in contact with the Libyan and Nigerian authorities after it had been informed that the Nigerian National Football Team (‘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.

“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 Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, also said the Libyan authorities refused to grant the Nigerian government access to where Super Eagles were held.

Tuggar made this known in a statement, saying: “I have been closely monitoring the situation involving the Super Eagles in Libya.

“Through the Head of Nigerian Mission in Tripoli, Libya, Amb. Stephen Anthony Awuru, the Mission has maintained contact with the NFF, and the Libyan authorities since last night.

“Despite efforts, Libyan authorities have not yet authorized the Nigerian Mission’s trip to Bayda City, where the airport is located.

“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. We will continue to follow developments and await a report for further action.”

The Star