Libya’s Wild Air Traffic Control Stunt Diverts And Strands Nigerian Soccer Team, Putting Africa Cup In Jeopardy

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by Gary Leff on October 17, 2024

Tensions between Nigeria and Libya have flared after Libya seemingly used air traffic control to gain an edge in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying soccer match between the two national teams.

Nigeria’s national team was flying to Benghazi – and had its permission to land pulled at the last minute, sending them to an airport 135 miles away (that wasn’t even their diversion airport) and denying them accommodations on the ground where they were left stuck for about 19 hours. Nigeria’s Super Eagles ultimately declined to play the match.

12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Lybia after our plane was diverted whilst descending. Lybian government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason. They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without phone connection, food or drink. All to play mind games.

— William Troost-Ekong (M.O.N) (@WTroostEkong) October 14, 2024

Upon arrival he tried to find a nearby airport to rest with his crew to be denied at every hotel again under Government instruction. He could sleep there but NO NIGERIAN crew members allowed. They have returned to now sleep on the plane which is parked up.

— William Troost-Ekong (M.O.N) (@WTroostEkong) October 14, 2024

Scheduled to play Libya’s Mediterranean Knights, Nigeria’s squad was set to land at Benghazi Airport on Sunday, ahead of Tuesday’s qualifier. However, the flight was unexpectedly diverted to Al Abraq Airport, over 135 miles away. The team remained stranded for more than 19 hours without food or internet access.

The flight’s captain reported on social media that the diversion was part of a deliberate strategy by Libyan authorities to disrupt their preparations, calling it “mind games.” He criticized the lack of basic amenities, accusing Libyan officials of rescinding the approved landing clearance in Benghazi without explanation and denying Nigerian players access to food and communication. The diversion airport he was given, a stretch on fuel, forced a visual approach at night and in marginal weather.

What Libya did to Nigeria is deeper than we even thought.

What if it turned out tragic? Because of football?

Just listen to the pilot who flew the Super Eagles of Nigeria to Libya. pic.twitter.com/nulOExFKdm

— @ (@OneJoblessBoy) October 15, 2024

The Nigerian team, citing safety concerns and alleging hostile treatment by Libyan authorities, withdrew from the match.

Libya says that the diversion was due to to ‘routine security checks and logistical complications’ and suggested things like that happen all the time in international travel. Oh, and also Nigeria was a bad host to the Libyan team before so….

To those who are calling Nigeria saints , this is what Libya faced when they played in Nigeria and the reason this was not on the news is because the Libyan national team don’t have lot players who Europe that will attract news outlets, you can’t treat other people badly and… pic.twitter.com/Zn2HmvEx3n

— Akani Nwanati (@AkanimiltonM) October 15, 2024

Pictures shared by Nigerian players on social media showed scenes of frustration, with team members lying on airport seats and attempting to make the best of a dire situation.

The Nigeria squad were completely stranded in a airport in Libya for over 16 hours. There was NO food and drink available either. (@PoojaMedia) pic.twitter.com/cNo2CdBZ8D

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) October 14, 2024

It’s unclear whether Libya will face penalties in the sport, or whether they’ll be awarded the victory by default.