On Sunday night, the media team for Nigeria’s senior men’s national football team, the Super Eagles, reported shocking news: upon their arrival at Al Abaq Airport in Libya, players and officials had been held hostage by local authorities. A video released by the team depicted the troubling scene; players and officials, along with their luggage, were stranded at the airport, with Libyan airport officials appearing indifferent to their plight. Engaged in conversations in Arabic, these officials seemed unresponsive to the urgent needs of the stranded Nigerian contingent. This unfortunate situation occurred ahead of a crucial qualifying match for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against the Libyan team, known as the Mediterranean Knights.
The Super Eagles set off for Libya on Sunday morning, originally planning to fly into Tripoli and then travel by road to Benghazi, the site of their match. However, in a bid to prevent unnecessary challenges during their journey, they decided to charter a flight which included a brief stopover in Kano before proceeding to Benghazi. The diversion of their flight just an hour before landing complicated matters further; instead of reaching their intended destination, the aircraft was rerouted to a city that was over two hours away from Benghazi. This unexpected detour resulted in a chaotic situation as the team sought to navigate the uncertainty of their location and the authorities’ resistance.
The Eagles had recently emerged victorious in a tightly contested match against Libya, securing a 1-0 win at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo thanks to a late-minute goal from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. The spirit of the team was high, and anticipation was building for the second leg of the match, scheduled for Tuesday, October 15. The Eagles aimed to continue their unbeaten streak and carry the momentum from their recent success into the upcoming encounter. However, the events at Al Abaq Airport raised concerns regarding the team’s preparation, safety, and overall well-being as they faced significant logistical and security challenges.
In light of the context surrounding the game, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) took steps to ensure that the match in Benghazi could proceed smoothly despite the issues faced by the Eagles. CAF appointed Cape Verdean referee Delgado Santos Rocha Lenine to officiate the match, supported by his compatriots Djêry Gomes Lopes and Jorge Santos Fonseca Aritson as assistant referees. Burkina Faso’s Hamidou Diero was designated as the fourth official. Match officials were carefully selected, reflecting the importance of the game and the desire to maintain a fair playing environment amid turmoil.
While the Eagles grappled with the aftermath of being held hostage, the management and coaching staff focused on ensuring that players could bounce back from the tumultuous experience. The safety and security of the squad were paramount, and concerted efforts aimed at working through the logistical challenges were made, striving to keep the players mentally prepared for the forthcoming match. Surrounded by uncertainty, the team still held aspirations to deliver a strong performance on the pitch and validate their skills against the Libyan side.
Ultimately, the series of events in Libya highlighted not only the unpredictability surrounding international travel and sports but also the resilience of the Super Eagles and the vital role of organization in football. As they prepared for their next match, the team’s resolve to transcend these obstacles became a testament to their dedication to their country’s pride. While navigating this crisis, the Super Eagles aimed not only for victory but to symbolize hope for their supporters, demonstrating the spirit of perseverance that characterizes sportsmanship.
