The Libyan government has refused to grant the Nigerian government’s request to allow its Mission to visit the Super Eagles stranded at the Abraq International Airport in Bayda City.

In a statement on Monday, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, said, “I have been closely monitoring the situation involving the Super Eagles in Libya. Through the Head of Nigerian Mission in Tripoli, Libya, Amb. Stephen Anthony Awuru, the Mission has maintained contact with the NFF, and the Libyan authorities since last night. Despite efforts, Libyan authorities have not yet authorized the Nigerian Mission’s trip to Bayda City, where the airport is located.

“In the meantime, the Head of the Nigerian Community in Benghazi, Mr. Morris Eromosele, arrived at the location at 6 am this morning with necessary supplies and internet access. We will continue to follow developments and await a report for further action.”

This came less than 48 hours before the team’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights on Tuesday. 

The Nigerian team has been held hostage at the airport since they landed on Sunday from Uyo after their chartered flight was diverted for yet-to-be-disclosed reasons.

The situation worsened when the team discovered that while the NFF had arranged transportation for them in Benghazi, no alternative transport was provided at Abraq by the Libyan Football Association.

The Nigerian team’s ordeal was further compounded when the gates at the airport were locked, preventing them from leaving.