Despite the pilot’s repeated requests to land in Benghazi as per the original plan, he was continuously denied permission, with the authorities citing orders from the highest level of government. This sudden and unexpected diversion threw the team’s travel arrangements into disarray, leading to a chain of events that ultimately led to the Super Eagles being detained at the airport for a grueling 13-hour period.
During their time at Al-Abraq International Airport, the team faced significant challenges as they were left stranded without access to basic necessities such as food, water, and internet communication. This raised significant concerns about the well-being of the players and staff, as well as the overall diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Libya.
The pilot emphasized the transparency of aviation operations, stating that all evidence of the events was well-documented. His account directly contradicted claims made by the Libyan Football Federation, pointing towards a deliberate attempt to disrupt Nigeria’s preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
The actions taken by Libya have prompted strong condemnation from Nigerian football authorities, who have called for justice and accountability. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has launched an investigation into the incident, aiming to uncover the truth behind the deliberate diversion and detention of the Super Eagles. Possible sanctions against Libya may be imposed depending on the findings of the investigation.CLICK TO READ THE FULL NEWS HERE▶️▶️
