The Nigerian government has confirmed that the Super Eagles and officials of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) were detained at Libya’s Al Abraq International Airport for several hours ahead of their 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya.
In a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Amb. Eche Abu-Obe, the government expressed dismay over the incident, labeling it as an “unfortunate detention.” The Ministry revealed that to resolve the situation, Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar made an urgent call to Dr. Abdulhadi Lahweej, Libya’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Following the call, swift actions were taken to reassure the detained contingent and ensure their safety. The Super Eagles and NFF officials have since returned to Nigeria. Both ministers, in their discussion, commended the swift resolution of the issue and emphasized the importance of maintaining African unity and cooperation.
