Super Eagles interim coach Augustine Eguavoen has voiced his disbelief over the team’s recent ordeal at Al-Abraq International Airport in Libya, where they were stranded for over 18 hours ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. The team returned to Nigeria yesterday evening after facing inhumane conditions.
The Super Eagles departed Uyo on Sunday, October 13, for the reverse fixture against Libya, having previously secured a 1-0 victory over them in Uyo. However, upon arrival in Libya, they encountered significant challenges.
For more than 18 hours, the players were stuck at Al-Abraq Airport with no Libyan officials present to assist them. They had no access to food or drink and were not permitted to leave the airport to seek accommodation.
Faced with such dire circumstances, the Super Eagles decided they could not proceed with the match. However, they were unable to leave until authorities intervened. Eventually, the team departed Libya, landing in Kano before arriving in Abuja.
In an interview with Arise TV shortly after their return to Nigeria, Eguavoen expressed his confusion and frustration regarding the situation.
“I don’t understand what happened, I can’t comprehend. There is no way we could have played under that circumstances. If you were there live, you understand. It was tough, there is just no way.
Eguavoen further recounted, “At some points we wanted to go out and look for hotel , they won’t even let us out of the airport, with no food.
There is no way we would have played . CAF definitely will look into it, we have enough evidence”
Both parties are now awaiting CAF’s investigation into the incident.
