By Milcah Tanimu
Nigerian forward Victor Boniface has voiced his frustration after the Super Eagles endured a grueling 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya. The team arrived in Libya for a crucial AFCON 2025 qualifier but encountered unexpected delays upon landing on Sunday.
In a post on X, Boniface expressed his discontent: “Been at the airport for almost 13 hours, no food, no Wi-Fi, nowhere to sleep. Africa, we can do better.” His remarks highlight the team’s challenging situation and the need for improvement in airport services.
The Super Eagles’ chartered ValueJet flight faced a last-minute diversion from Benghazi Airport to the smaller Al Abraq International Airport, typically designated for Hajj operations. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) explained that the pilot had almost completed the approach to Benghazi when the diversion occurred.
Unfortunately, this unexpected change left players and officials stranded without any reception or transport provided by the host Libyan Football Federation, despite prior arrangements. The team planned to travel to their hotel in Benghazi, located about three hours away, but the diversion disrupted these logistics.
The NFF reported, “Fatigued players and officials remained confused as the host Libyan Football Federation failed to send any reception team or vehicles.” They had made separate vehicle arrangements, but the change in flight plan derailed these efforts.
As frustration grew, the players decided not to participate in the upcoming match. NFF officials are currently working on plans to fly the team back home, emphasizing the urgency of resolving the situation.
