The Libyan Football Federation has denied any involvement in the poor treatment experienced by Nigeria’s Super Eagles during their stay in the country.

The Super Eagles players and officials are currently stranded at Al Abraq Airport, hours after arriving for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against the Mediterranean Knights. Their flight was unexpectedly diverted from Benghazi, where they were originally scheduled to land.

The team spent the night at the airport without access to food or water, and they were denied hotel accommodations by their hosts.

In a statement, the Libya FA expressed concern about the situation, saying, “We regret any inconvenience caused, but it’s important to understand that such incidents can occur due to routine air traffic control protocols, security checks, or logistical challenges affecting international air travel. These situations are standard at airports worldwide, and while unfortunate, they are not uncommon.

“We hold our Nigerian counterparts in the highest regard and want to clarify that the diversion of their flight was not intentional. There is no basis for accusing Libyan security teams or the Libyan Football Federation of orchestrating this incident. Such actions contradict our values and principles.

“We reject any claims of foul play or sabotage. Just last week, our national team faced significant challenges upon arriving in Nigeria for an AFCON qualifier, yet we did not make public accusations or question the integrity of Nigerian authorities. Football unites nations, and we are dedicated to fostering fairness and mutual respect on and off the field.

“In Libya, we take pride in our hospitality and our welcoming nature. We prioritize treating all visiting teams, including our African brothers, with the respect and dignity they deserve. Hosting these events is an honor, and we strive to ensure all teams feel safe and respected as our guests. This commitment to equality and hospitality is central to our culture.

“We hope this misunderstanding can be resolved with goodwill. Our doors remain open to our Nigerian brothers and all African teams as we continue to promote unity, sportsmanship, and friendship in football.”