October 14, (THEWILL) – The Super Eagles have finally landed on home soil following a tumultuous journey from Libya. The team touched down at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano State, marking the end of an ordeal that led to the cancellation of their 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Libya.
The team’s return flight from Libya took approximately three and a half hours. Officials confirmed that the chartered aircraft would refuel in Kano before continuing to Abuja and then Lagos. This layover in the historic northern Nigerian city is a necessary step in the team’s journey back home after their unexpected extended stay in Libya.
The Super Eagles’ decision to boycott the scheduled AFCON qualifier came after a series of unfortunate events upon their arrival in Libya. Their flight was unexpectedly diverted to a remote airport, resulting in an additional three-hour road journey to their intended destination. The situation deteriorated when the players, pilots, and support staff found themselves stranded at the Libyan airport for about 15 hours without access to basic necessities such as food, water, or proper rest facilities.
Images of team members sleeping on airport benches circulated widely on social media, prompting outrage and concern from Nigerian authorities and football fans alike. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has formally protested this incident to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which has pledged to investigate the matter and take appropriate action.
William Troost-Ekong, the Super Eagles captain, alleged that the team was denied takeoff despite the availability of fuel in Libya, further complicating the already tense situation. However, Libyan authorities have denied any intentional sabotage, attributing the delay to logistical issues.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
