The Super Eagles of Nigeria have landed back home after a troubling experience in Libya.
The team arrived at Aminu Kano International Airport on Monday night.
Their journey was far from smooth, as they faced significant delays upon their arrival in Libya.
The players and officials were stranded at Al Abaq Airport for several hours.
This situation arose after the team traveled to Libya for a qualifying match for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Originally, the match was scheduled to take place in Benina on Tuesday.
However, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) decided to withdraw from the game.
The decision came after the players reported inhumane treatment during their time in Libya.
The NFF’s choice to pull out highlights serious concerns about player welfare and safety.
“The treatment we received was unacceptable,” one player, who requested to remain anonymous, said.
He added, “We felt like we were in a very dangerous situation.”
Reports from the team indicate that they faced poor living conditions and lack of proper facilities.
Many players described the airport environment as chaotic and uncomfortable.
“We are proud to represent our country, but we must also protect our players,” said an NFF official.
The decision to withdraw was not made lightly, but the NFF prioritized the safety of the team.
“We had no choice but to pull out of the match,” the official explained.
“We cannot allow our players to endure such a situation.”
This incident has raised questions about how African nations treat visiting teams.
It is important for all nations to ensure the safety and comfort of athletes during international matches.
The NFF is now focused on the next steps for the Super Eagles.
They aim to regroup and prepare for future matches in a safer environment.
Fans have expressed their disappointment about the situation.
Many supporters are worried about the impact this ordeal may have on the team’s morale.
“This is not just about football; it’s about our pride as a nation,” said a fan at the airport.
The Super Eagles are known for their resilience and fighting spirit.
They have a strong history in African football and are expected to bounce back from this setback.
As the team returns home, the NFF is calling for better conditions for athletes in future matches.
“This should never happen again,” the official stated.
The experience in Libya serves as a wake-up call for sports authorities across Africa.
It is essential to prioritize the welfare of players and officials traveling for international competitions.
In a continent where football brings joy and unity, incidents like this can tarnish the spirit of the game.
The Super Eagles will now look ahead to their upcoming fixtures with renewed focus.
The hope is that they can channel their experiences into motivation on the field.
As the team settles back into Nigeria, fans await their next match with enthusiasm.
Supporters are eager to see how the Super Eagles will rise from this challenging experience.