The Tunisian pilot who flew Nigeria’s Super Eagles to Libya for their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier has revealed startling details about the diversion of their flight to the remote Al-Abraq Airport.
Story Summary:
- A Tunisian pilot has revealed that Libyan authorities instructed the diversion of Nigeria’s flight to Al-Abraq Airport, sparking Nigeria’s boycott of their AFCON qualifier against Libya.
- CAF has launched an investigation into the saga.
Watch: Pilot claims instruction to divert flight to Al-Abraq came from Libyan authorities
In a video interview, the pilot clarified that the decision to divert was not his but came from high-level Libyan authorities.
The Nigerian team, initially en route to Benghazi for the match, was diverted to Al-Abraq, an under-equipped airport typically used for hajj operations and located nearly 300 kilometres from their intended destination.
Speaking to sports journalists, the pilot stated:
“We had official approval from the Libyan Civil Aviation Authority to land at Benghazi. However, mid-descent, we were suddenly ordered to divert to Al-Abraq.”
He expressed his concerns over the safety risks, pointing out that the unexpected change in destination meant the plane did not have sufficient fuel for the extended trip.
Despite his warnings to Libyan authorities, they insisted on the diversion, citing orders from the highest levels of government.
The pilot also shared details about the dangerous conditions at Al-Abraq.
The airport lacked basic navigation systems, including an Instrument Landing System (ILS), making the night landing particularly risky.
“I had to execute a visual landing in challenging conditions, which is highly risky,” he said.
The pilot made it clear that all aviation communications were recorded and could be used as evidence, refuting earlier claims that the diversion was his choice.
As a result of the ordeal, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) made the decision to boycott the match against Libya, citing safety concerns for their players and staff.
CAF launches probe into Libya vs Nigeria AFCON saga
In response to the controversy surrounding the Super Eagles’ decision to abandon their AFCON 2025 qualifier against Libya, the Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) has launched an investigation.
CAF confirmed that the matter has been referred to its Disciplinary Board, which will review the events leading up to Nigeria’s boycott.
According to CAF’s statement, the investigation will focus on potential violations of CAF statutes and regulations by either party involved.
Nigeria, currently leading their AFCON qualification group with 7 points, chose to forgo the match after being stranded for over 16 hours at Al-Abraq Airport.
The NFF has maintained that their decision was driven solely by concerns over the safety of their players.
Libya’s Football Federation (LFF) has denied any foul play.
The LFF attributed the diversion to standard “air traffic control protocols, security checks, or logistical challenges.”
Libya’s captain, Faisal al Badri, stated that the Libyan team faced similar issues during their trip to Nigeria for the first leg of the qualifier, recounting how they were forced to travel through dangerous areas without security escort.
With CAF’s investigation now underway, the outcome will determine whether Libya will be awarded a 3-0 victory by default or if a rematch will be arranged.
If the Nigerian team’s boycott is ruled as a forfeiture, it could significantly impact their standing in the AFCON qualification campaign, tightening the race for the top spot in the group.
Both Nigerian and Libyan football authorities are awaiting CAF’s final decision, which could reshape the path to AFCON 2025 for both teams.
