Nigeria’s Super Eagles Soccer Team Arrives Safely in Abuja After Chaotic Trip in Libya

The Nigeria’s Super Eagles soccer team arrived in Abuja on Tuesday, putting an end to a dramatic and unsettling episode in Libya. The team’s decision to boycott their African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier in Libya came after they were stranded overnight at an airport in the oil-rich nation.

The nightmare began on Sunday when the team was scheduled to land in Benghazi, but their plane was diverted to Al Abraq, over 200 kilometers away. As a result, the players were "abandoned" and locked in a building, according to a Nigeria Football Federation official, after they had arranged to leave.

"I wouldn’t say it was okay, but we thank God that we went and we came back safe. But it was a hostage situation," said Kabiru Amadu, the chairman of the house committee on sports, who was part of the team’s entourage. He expressed relief at their safe return, adding that the trip was "shaken" by the experience.

In a statement, the Libyan Football Federation expressed its concern over the incident, but rejected any allegations of foul play. "We are deeply concerned about the situation, and we have taken necessary steps to prevent similar incidents in the future," the federation said.

The unearthing of this conflict highlights the complexities and challenges that can arise in international sports competitions. As the world watches, the Nigerian Super Eagles’ determination to condemn their treatment in Libya and seek a fair resolution underscores the passion and dedication required to succeed at the highest levels of the sport.