Thank You for Letting Us Go- Eguavoen Tells Libya After Airport Nightmare

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Super Eagles interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen humorously thanked the Libyan Authorities for releasing them after the team endured a challenging experience, stranded for over 18 hours at Al-Abraq International Airport.

Speaking to Arise TV after landing back in Nigeria, Eguavoen noted that the players remain in great shape and mentally strong despite the toll the ordeal took on them.

“The boys are still mentally strong. It would have been nice to come back home with 3 points, but unfortunately, the game didn’t hold,” Eguavoen stated.

“Of course, no game would have been played under such circumstances, but we are back home, and we thank the Libyans for letting us go, but it took a while.”

The Super Eagles had arrived in Libya for their second-leg, Africa Cup of Nations qualifier after previously defeating the Libyan team 1-0 in Uyo.

Celebrations! William Troost-Ekong joins Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in jubilation after the latter’s goal in the AFCON 2025 Qualifying match between Nigeria and Libya. Photo | X

However, upon landing, they faced dire conditions, with no officials present to assist them and being denied food, water, or the ability to leave the airport for accommodations.

After numerous attempts to find a resolution, the team ultimately decided they could not proceed with the match. Following significant delays, they secured permission to depart Libya and safely returned to Nigeria.

Despite the frustrating circumstances, Eguavoen remains focused on the future and the team’s resilience.

With CAF now investigating the incident, both the Super Eagles and the Libyan Football Federation await the outcome of the review, hoping for clarity and accountability following this unprecedented situation.