Following a frustrating 12-hour ordeal at Libya’s Al Abraq International Airport, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has remained silent on the plight of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, who have been stranded since their arrival on Sunday afternoon.

The Nigerian team, traveling to Benghazi for a critical match, faced unexpected complications when their chartered flight was redirected mid-flight to Al Abraq, a small airport mainly used for hajj operations.

Upon landing, the team found themselves stranded without any support from the Libyan Football Federation, which failed to arrange transportation for the delegation.

In response, the Federal Government, through the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has been in contact with the Nigerian Mission in Libya regarding the situation.

Meanwhile, on Monday, the Nigeria Football Federation announced that it had decided to withdraw the Super Eagles from the qualifier match against Libya.

The statement reads: “The delegation of Nigeria to Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya still remained at the Al Abraq Airport 12 hours after landing in Libya.

“The chartered ValueJet aircraft was, strangely and in a dangerous manner, diverted to the small airport away from Benghazi just as the pilot was completing his approach to the Benghazi Airport.

“We understand the Al Abraq International Airport is only used for hajj operations. Fatigued players and officials have remained nonplussed as the host Libyan Football Federation failed to send any reception team or even vehicles to take the delegation members from the airport to their hotel, said to be 3 hours away in Benghazi.

“The NFF made arrangements for separate vehicles for the team but the plan was unhinged by the diversion of the aircraft. Players have resolved not to play the match any longer as NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home.”

All eyes are on the football body CAF as they are yet to issue any statements as of the time of filing this report.