Eagles Fly Home: Nigerian Team Departs Libya After 14-Hour Delay

The Nigerian Super Eagles football team and their officials have finally departed Libya after being delayed for over 14 hours at Al Abraq International Airport. The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, confirmed their departure on X, posting a photo of the team boarding their flight back to Nigeria. The Libyan authorities eventually granted clearance for their flight, after hours of waiting.

Super Eagles player, Bruno Onyemaechi, expressed relief over their departure, stating on X that he was done with Libya and grateful to be heading home. Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also confirmed that the team was airborne, en route to Abuja, as reported by the Minister of Sports, Senator John Owan Enoh.

Earlier, the team’s assistant captain, William Troost-Ekong, had shared their frustrations over the delay, revealing that their plane had fuel all along but had not been granted permission to depart by the Libyan authorities. He also highlighted the team’s disappointment with the treatment they received, contrasting it with how Nigeria treats visiting teams. The delay had even led to the Nigerian Football Federation considering withdrawing from the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Libya.