The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has explained the reasons behind the Nigerian Super Eagles’ prolonged delay at Al Abraq International Airport, stating that the issues were due to standard air traffic and logistical difficulties rather than any intentional misconduct. In a statement released on Monday via X, the LFF clarified that the diversion of the Nigerian team’s flight was not meant to be hostile.
“We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation,” the LFF said. They pointed out that just a week earlier, the Libyan national team had encountered similar challenges upon arriving in Nigeria for an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
“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. Despite the difficulties we encountered, we did not make public accusations nor question the integrity of the Nigerian authorities,” the statement continued.
According to the LFF, the redirection of the Nigerian delegation’s chartered ValueJet aircraft to Al Abraq International Airport instead of Benghazi was a result of standard air traffic control protocols and security measures commonly observed in international travel.
“These are standard procedures at airports worldwide, and delays or rerouting, though unfortunate, are not uncommon,” the federation added. They emphasized that the LFF holds Nigeria in high regard and did not intend to cause any inconvenience for the Super Eagles, who have been stuck at the airport for over 15 hours. The Libyan FA expressed its concern regarding the situation while noting that such logistical challenges are not unusual.
The federation also reiterated Libya’s commitment to hospitality for visiting teams, stating, “We have always prioritised treating all visiting teams, including our African brothers and other international delegations, with the respect and dignity they deserve.” The Libyan FA called for a resolution based on mutual understanding and emphasized football’s role in promoting unity.
“Hosting these events is a great honour for us, and we strive to ensure that all teams feel safe and respected as our guests. 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,” the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation has filed a formal complaint with the Confederation of African Football regarding the incident and is making plans to return the Super Eagles home.
