The pilot of the chartered aircraft that transported Nigeria’s Super Eagles to Libya has disclosed that he faced pressure from Libyan authorities to reroute the flight to the substandard Al-Abraq Airport.

This unexpected diversion has sparked significant controversy between Nigeria and Libya, particularly concerning the treatment of the Nigerian team.

Initially, the Super Eagles’ flight was scheduled to land at Benghazi’s Benina Airport, a location approved by the Libyan Civil Aviation Authority.

However, as the flight descended, the pilot received a directive from Libyan authorities to divert to Al-Abraq, which is approximately 150 miles (around 300 kilometers) east of the intended destination.

The pilot expressed his concern over this change, emphasizing the potential dangers associated with landing at an airport that was not equipped to handle such a flight.

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has alleged that the diversion was intentional, reflecting a lack of respect for the Super Eagles.

In contrast, the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has denied any wrongdoing, attributing the crisis to logistical issues rather than any malice toward the Nigerian team.

This disagreement has only intensified the scrutiny surrounding the incident.

In a video interview shared on social media by Pooja Media, the Tunisian pilot explained the complexity of the situation.

He revealed that he attempted to communicate the risks associated with the diversion to Libyan officials but felt that his warnings went unheeded.

He stated that aviation protocols are strict, and flight plans require careful fuel calculations and safety assessments.

The pilot had repeatedly requested permission to land at Benghazi, citing his original flight plan and the authorization he received from the Libyan aviation authorities.

Unfortunately, he was met with firm resistance, being told that the order came from the highest levels of authority in Libya.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the pilot shared his frustrations about the lack of cooperation from the Libyan authorities.

He noted that aviation regulations demand transparency, and all communications are documented, leaving no room for ambiguity.

Despite his concerns about potentially running low on fuel, the response from Libyan officials remained unchanged.

The pilot reiterated that he pleaded with them multiple times, warning that he could face dire consequences if forced to land in an area without proper facilities.

The incident has raised questions about the treatment of athletes during international competitions and the importance of ensuring safe and efficient travel for sports teams.

As the Super Eagles continue their journey, the fallout from this diversion may influence future relations between Nigeria and Libya, especially in the realm of sports and aviation.

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