The Nigeria national football team, Super Eagles, is finally set to depart Libya after a harrowing 15-hour ordeal at the Al Abraq International Airport.
According to sports journalist Adepoju Tobi Samuel, popularly known as OgaNlaMedia, the Libyan government succumbed to external pressure, granting clearance for the team’s chartered jet to refuel and depart.
In a statement on X, OgaNlaMedia revealed: “After pressure from several quarters, the Libyan government has agreed to issue clearance for ValueJet Airline to fly and sell aviation fuel to the airline.”
Initially, the Libyan authorities attempted to divert the team’s flight to Benghazi, but the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) insisted on direct clearance to Nigeria.
OgaNlaMedia added: “They came with a gimmick to issue a pre-clearance to land in Benghazi first before we fly to Nigeria. The same Benghazi that was busy yesterday. The NFF has insisted that the clearance from Al-Abraq airport must be for the team to fly directly to Nigeria.”
The Super Eagles’ ordeal began when they were left stranded without food, water, or internet access at the airport. However, with the clearance now secured, the team is en route back to Nigeria.
This development brings relief to Nigerian football fans and marks a triumph for diplomatic efforts.
