Nottingham Forest head coach, Nuno Espirito Santo has confirmed that Super Eagles duo Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina have recovered from their unsettling experience during international duty.
After the international break, many players returned to their clubs, but for Aina and Awoniyi, this window was far from ordinary.
During Nigeria’s first match against Libya, Aina put in a great performance in Uyo in the AFCON qualifier, while Awoniyi made a late appearance, coming off the bench to replace Victor Boniface in the 74th minute.
The Super Eagles secured a 1-0 victory in that match thanks to an 86th-minute strike from Fisayo Dele Bashiru, but the drama was only just beginning.
For the return leg in Libya, the team faced an unexpected ordeal as their flight was diverted mid-air, landing at Al Abraq Airport instead of their scheduled destination, Benghazi.
The players and staff were left stranded for over 18 hours without food, shelter or internet access.
As a result of the chaotic circumstances, the Super Eagles were forced to return home without playing the match and the second leg was postponed.
Speaking on the situation, Espirito Santo said,
“They have arrived; they are working normal. As soon as it happened, the club reached them and tried to see what was going on. It was a mess but it was important to get them back as soon as possible.
Super Eagles players left stranded at the Al Abraq Airport. The Players spent over 12 hours inside the airport without basic needs. Photo | X
They arrived a couple of days ago; they are working normally.”
With Awoniyi, Aina, and the rest of the squad now back in training, Nottingham Forest will focus on preparing for their upcoming Premier League clash against Crystal Palace on Monday night.
