Super Eagles caretaker coach, Augustine Eguavoen said it was the right decision to withdraw from the match against Libya after a traumatic ordeal in the North African country.

The Super Eagles were held hostage at an abandoned airport, far from the venue of the 2025 AFCON qualifier against the Libyan national team.

Their private jet was diverted to land in Al-Abraq, almost 100 km away from the original destination in Benghazi.

The team was forced to stay at the airport for 16 hours, unable to book a hotel or leave the area.

Players waited for hours at the Al Abaq Airport, Al Abaq, after Aeroplane carrying Nigerian team was diverted from Benghazi.

Upon returning home, they addressed the media, explaining why they had to pull out of the game.

“Thanks to the Libyans for allowing us to leave, but it was a horrible 18-20 hour experience, and we don’t want to go through that again,” Eguavoen said on their arrival in Nigeria on Monday.

Stranded: Super Eagles players left in the Al Abraq Airport for 15 hours. The Players and team officials slept on seats. Photo | X

“We were held hostage, and under those circumstances, we couldn’t have played the match.”

He added, “Football is known to unite the world, but in this case, their actions were beyond comprehension.

“It was a strange situation. I trust that CAF will investigate and come up with appropriate solutions.” He concluded.