‘Unbearable’ – Super Eagles Coach Eguavoen speaks on team’s ordeal at Libyan Airport
Interim Super Eagles coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has expressed disbelief over the team’s harrowing experience at Al-Abraq International Airport in Libya, where they were stranded for more than 18 hours ahead of their AFCON 2025 qualifier. The team returned to Nigeria after enduring what Eguavoen described as inhumane conditions.
The Super Eagles had departed from Uyo on Sunday, October 13, for the second-leg match against Libya, having already secured a 1-0 win in the first leg. However, upon arrival in Libya, the team faced unexpected challenges.
For over 18 hours, the players were stuck at the airport with no Libyan officials to receive them or offer assistance. They were denied access to food, water, or accommodation and were not allowed to leave the airport to seek shelter elsewhere.
Speaking to Arise TV upon their return to Nigeria, Eguavoen described the ordeal as unbearable.
“I don’t understand what happened; I just can’t comprehend it. There was no way we could have played under those circumstances. If you were there in person, you would know how tough it was. It was impossible.”
He further revealed the team’s unsuccessful attempts to find a hotel, saying, “At some point, we wanted to leave the airport to find accommodation, but they wouldn’t let us out. And with no food or drink, it was impossible to continue with the game.”
The team was eventually allowed to leave Libya, traveling first to Kano before arriving in Abuja.
Eguavoen stated that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to investigate the matter.
“We have enough evidence, and CAF will definitely look into it,” he concluded.
Both the Super Eagles and the Libyan football authorities now await CAF’s decision on the incident
