BREAKING: Super Eagles return home after Libya airport ordeal

Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, have safely returned home following a distressing ordeal in Libya.

The team arrived in Nigeria on Monday after boycotting their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Libya’s Mediterranean Knights. The boycott was in protest against the mistreatment they faced, being abandoned at the wrong airport for over 12 hours.

“The Super Eagles are back in Nigeria. We’ve cleared immigration in Kano,” wrote Tobi Adepoju, a member of the Nigerian delegation, on his X (formerly Twitter) page.

The team had been stranded for hours at a Libyan airport, enduring harsh conditions after being diverted to a different location without access to food or fuel. The incident sparked outrage globally, with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, condemning it as “an extremely unfortunate situation.”

Tuggar’s swift intervention led to the summoning of Libya’s chargé d’affaires to address the issue. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) also stepped in, announcing an investigation into Libya’s handling of the Super Eagles.

CAF stated, “The matter has been referred to the CAF Disciplinary Board for investigation, and appropriate action will be taken against any parties found to have violated CAF Statutes and Regulations.”

In response, Libya’s Football Federation denied any wrongdoing, citing air traffic control and logistical issues as the cause of the confusion.

With the Super Eagles now back home, Nigerian football fans are relieved as the focus shifts to CAF’s investigation. The players are expected to rejoin their clubs in the coming days.