Sport
Super Eagles Stranded in Libya as Nigeria Pulls Out of AFCON Qualifier
The Nigerian Super Eagles have found themselves stranded for over 17 hours at a Libyan airport, following a flight diversion.
Reports indicate that the players are being held against their will by Libyan authorities, creating tension ahead of their planned Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match.
As a result, Nigeria has decided to withdraw from the crucial fixture.
The situation seems to have escalated due to claims from the Libyan media that their own national team players experienced poor treatment during their visit to Nigeria.
This accusation has added fuel to the growing tension between both football associations, as the allegations of mistreatment could be an attempt by the Libyan side to justify the current incident.
This isn’t the first time Nigerian players have faced such difficulties in Libya.
In 2022, players from Enyimba Football Club were forced to spend 24 hours at a Libyan airport when their CAF Confederation Cup opponents made a sudden venue change without prior notice.
The Enyimba squad endured a long and uncomfortable wait before any resolution was reached, highlighting a broader pattern of logistical and diplomatic challenges faced by Nigerian teams when playing away in the region.
These recent incidents are raising questions about the management of international sports relations and the need for better communication and preparation between countries hosting these high-profile matches.
Nigeria’s decision to pull out of the AFCON qualifier now places additional pressure on African football authorities to address these recurring challenges and ensure the safety and fair treatment of players during international competitions.
Former Chelsea midfielder, Claude Makelele advises team to sign in Nigerian Player, Osimhen during the summer transfer.
The ex midfielder praised Osimhen and stated how he will be a strong player in the team. He shared that Osimhen is a finisher and that’s what the team needs.
“Osimhen is a finisher. I think for the way Chelsea plays, they need this kind of striker to have a presence in the box. I think he will be the best option for Chelsea.”
The Super Eagles are aiming for their first away win against Rwanda in Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. Nigeria has struggled to beat the Amavubi in Kigali, with three previous meetings ending without a win.
The last time they faced Rwanda in a World Cup qualifier at the Amahoro Stadium was in 2004, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
In 2011, both teams played to a goalless draw in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Stade Regional de Nyamirambo. Another goalless draw followed in September last year during a 2025 AFCON qualifying match at the Amahoro Stadium.
With three draws and one loss from their first four games, the Super Eagles are in fifth place in Group C with just three points. Rwanda, on the other hand, sits comfortably in second place with seven points. The Super Eagles need to break their winless streak to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Rapper Tochukwu Ojogwu, better known as Odumodublvck, has stirred up a heated debate with his latest take on Nigerian football.
The Cast crooner recently declared Mikel Obi as the greatest Nigerian footballer of all time in a post on X, which quickly sparked mixed reactions.
While some agreed with his choice, others argued that players like Rashidi Yekini, Kanu Nwankwo, and Austin Jay-Jay Okocha deserve the title instead.
Mikel Obi had an impressive club career, winning two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and a Champions League with Chelsea.
On the international stage, he helped Nigeria win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and secured a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics. He also came close to being named African Footballer of the Year in 2013, finishing as the runner-up.
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