A recent video interview featuring the Tunisian pilot who transported Nigeria’s Super Eagles to Libya sheds light on a chaotic incident involving a last-minute diversion of their flight. The original plan was to land at Benghazi, specifically Benina Airport, as approved by the Libyan Civil Aviation Authority. However, as the plane began its descent, orders came from Libyan authorities directing the flight to divert to Al-Abraq Airport, located approximately 150 miles (about 300 kilometers) away from the scheduled destination. The pilot emphasized that this deviation was not of his own accord, stressing that such orders come from authorities beyond his control.
The pilot revealed that the sudden routing created serious concerns, particularly regarding fuel calculations initially designed for the planned landing at Benghazi. Even upon questioning the directive multiple times—indicating a level of urgency and confusion—the pilot was repeatedly apprised that the orders were sanctioned by a higher authority. He explained, “Everything is registered in aviation; we cannot hide anything,” reinforcing his point that safety protocols and communication are always documented. The realities of aviation practices mandated him to voice his concerns, as he foresaw potential complications arising from the fuel situation due to the unexpected distance to the alternate airport.
Describing Al-Abraq Airport, the pilot portrayed it as ill-equipped for the safe landing of the Super Eagles given the circumstances. He pointed out the absence of crucial navigation systems such as Instrument Landing System (ILS) and VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR), which are critical for ensuring precision during flight operations, especially under less than ideal weather conditions. He elaborated on the challenges of conducting a visual landing at night without reliable navigational aids, highlighting the risks involved when those protocols are disregarded.
This incident unfolded against a backdrop of escalating tensions between Nigerian and Libyan football authorities over the treatment of the Super Eagles during their travel for a crucial match in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Group D fixture. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) accused Libyan officials of intentionally mistreating the team, while the Libyan Football Federation pointed to logistical issues as the source of the confusion and chaos. The growing discontent from the Nigerian side further complicated an already tense situation, revealing the fragile nature of international sports relationships amid operational challenges.
Following this ordeal, the situation escalated dramatically as the NFF announced that it would withdraw the Super Eagles from the qualifier match. This decision followed the team’s doctor’s warnings regarding the players’ ill health, stemming from their traumatic experience, which included being detained for 17 hours at the airport. The team’s physical and mental condition became a focal point, underlining the impacts of such distressing travel experiences on athlete performance and welfare. Players reportedly expressed their unwillingness to participate in the match any longer, reinforcing the gravity of the situation.
In light of the unfolding events, NFF officials began preparations for the team’s return back to Nigeria. This entire series of events serves as a reminder of the logistical challenges and potential pitfalls that international teams can encounter while traveling for critical matches, emphasizing the need for better communication and operational protocols among football federations. Importantly, it raises concerns about athlete safety and welfare whenever international travel becomes punctuated by unexpected difficulties that can jeopardize not only logistics but also the physical and emotional well-being of the players involved.
