TRIPOLI, Libya
Nigerian national football team players refused to play a match in Libya after stranding at an airport for over 12 hours on Monday.
The Super Eagles players and staff flew out to Libya on Sunday night but were diverted to the Al Abraq International Airport instead of their original destination of Benghazi Airport, which is over 200 kilometers (124 miles) and three and a half hours away from their hotel.
Celal Muheshis, one of Al Abraq International Airport officials, told reporters that the Nigerian team refused to play a match in Libya to boycott Tuesday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier with Libya.
The official said the Nigerian players had decided to return to their home country instead of playing the fixture. Some players claimed they were left without food and water.
The Libyan national team had experienced similar treatment ahead of their African Cup of Nations qualifier match in Nigeria on Oct. 11, according to Libyan media reports.
The reports claimed the Nigerian team was dropped off at Al Abraq Airport “in a move of reciprocity.”
The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) responded to the prolonged delay experienced by the Nigerian football team, citing routine air traffic and logistical challenges as the cause.
“We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation,” the LFF said.
The incident heightened the tension in the preparations for the upcoming fixture.
