Nigerian football team claim Libya plane diversion ‘revenge’
In an extraordinary move of international petulance, Nigerian football players refused to play in a match with Libya, after having their plane diverted hundreds of miles from its original destination when they entered Libyan airspace, reports Middle East monitor via Turkish agency AA.
The Nigerian players claim their plane, which was scheduled to land in Benghazi, was diverted to another airport as act of revenge due to the same thing happening to Libyan players when they arrived in Nigeria a few days earlier.
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According to AA, the Super Eagles players and staff flew out to Libya on October 13th but were diverted to the Al Abraq International Airport instead of their original destination of Benghazi Airport, which is over 200 kilometres (124 miles), and three and a half hours away from their hotel.
Celal Muhehis, one of Al Abraq International Airport officials, told reporters that the Nigerian team consequently refused to play the scheduled match in Libya, Africa Cup of Nations qualifier with Libya.
The official added that the Nigerian players had decided to return to their home country instead of playing the fixture. Some players claimed they were left without food and water while in the airport.
The Libyan national team had experienced similar treatment ahead of their African Cup of Nations qualifier match in Nigeria on 11 October, according to Libyan media reports.
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The reports claimed the Nigerian team was dropped off at Al Abraq Airport “in a move of reciprocity”.
The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) responded to the prolonged delay experienced by the Nigerian football team, citing routine air traffic and logistical challenges as the cause.
The Confederation of African Football stated on October 14th that it was launching an investigation into the incident and the claims made by the players.
Middle East Monitor/AA/agencies
