By DAYO ADESULU
Unexpected Change of Destination Causes Controversy Amid Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier
The Tunisian pilot who flew the Nigerian national football team to Libya has provided clarity on the unexpected diversion of their flight to Al-Abraq Airport, rather than their intended destination of Benghazi. This incident has sparked considerable controversy, particularly as the Nigerian delegation was left stranded for over 16 hours.
Circumstances Surrounding the Diversion
On Sunday, the Nigerian team was en route to Benghazi for a crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya when the flight was diverted mid-air to Al-Abraq, a small airport usually designated for Hajj operations. In a video interview shared on X by sports journalist Pooja Media, the pilot emphasized that the decision to divert was not made by him but was ordered by Libyan authorities.
“The flight plan was to land at Benghazi, Benina, and we had approval from the Libyan Civil Aviation Authority,” the pilot explained. “However, as we began our descent, we were instructed to divert to Al-Abraq, which is approximately 150 miles (about 300 kilometers) east of our intended destination. This was not even listed as our alternate, which is concerning.”
Safety Concerns and Communication Challenges
The pilot raised safety concerns regarding the diversion, particularly due to the fuel calculations initially based on the flight plan to Benghazi. He noted, “In aviation, we calculate fuel based on our destination, and such unexpected changes can breach safety protocols.” Despite his repeated inquiries about landing in Benghazi, he was told by authorities that the directive came from the “highest authority” and that they must divert immediately to Al-Abraq.
Refuting media claims that the diversion was his decision, the pilot stated, “Everything is documented in aviation; we cannot hide anything. I asked them at least eight times, warning that we might have fuel issues, but they insisted it was an order I had to follow.”
Conditions at Al-Abraq Airport
Upon landing at Al-Abraq, the pilot described the challenging conditions at the poorly equipped airport. He pointed out that there was no Instrument Landing System (ILS), no air navigation approach, and no VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) available. “We had to make a visual landing, which is particularly difficult at night and in marginal weather conditions,” he explained, adding that the lack of facilities left them with “no second chances” if the landing had not gone as planned.
The pilot’s experience in the region, having worked for two years with a Tunisian company, was instrumental in navigating the difficult landing. “It was not an easy matter at all. When a pilot hears this, he understands the gravity of landing under such conditions. Thank God we made it safely,” he remarked.
NFF Pulls Super Eagles from Qualifier Match
In the aftermath of this ordeal, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced that they will withdraw the Super Eagles from the qualifier match against Libya. “The players have resolved not to play the match any longer, and NFF officials are making arrangements to fly the team back home,” the statement confirmed.
This incident has not only raised questions about the handling of the flight but has also left the Nigerian team facing significant challenges as they prepare for future matches.
