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[JUST IN] AFCON Qualifiers: Super Eagles Stranded At Libya Airport

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Players and officials of the Super Eagles have been left stranded at the Al Abaq airport in Al Abaq, Libya hours after arriving in the country.

About an hour before landing, the Nigerian aircraft approached its destination, Benghazi, but it was diverted to another city, which was more than two hours’ drive from the original destination.

According to journalist, Adepoju Tobi Samuel, the Nigerian Football Federation’s (NFF) transport plans for the Super Eagles were disrupted during their journey to Libya.

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The initial agreement and approval obtained by the NFF was for a chartered flight to land in Benghazi, a location conveniently close to Benina, just a few minutes’ drive away.

READ ALSO: Eguavoen Quits As Super Eagles Interim Coach After Draw In Rwanda

However, mid-flight, the plane was unexpectedly diverted to Abraq Airport, altering the team’s travel plans.

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He tweeted, “The agreement and the approval the NFF got was for the chartered flight to land in Benghazi, a few minutes drive to Benina.

“Airborne the plane was diverted to Abraq Airport.

“The NFF transport arrangement was already in Benghazi. Despite the diversion of the plane, there were no buses provided at the Abraq Airport by the Libyan FA.

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“The Super Eagles contingent has been stranded for 3+ hours and locked up at the Abraq Airport.

“NFF made another transport arrangement and they have refused to open the gates.

“Abraq Airport to Benina City is almost a three-hour drive.”

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READ ALSO: FULL LIST: Nigeria’s Super Eagles Head Coaches From 1949 Till 2024

Meanwhile, Super Eagles defender, Tanimu Benjamin tweeted an update about the situation, lamenting the 4 hours spent stranded at the airport.

4hrs after arrival, still at the airport 😪😪

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Also still have 2hrs drive to the hotel 😂😂@OgaNlaMedia pic.twitter.com/rBDMOF08B1

— Tanimu Benjamin — BT28 (@TaniBenjamin28) October 13, 2024
Benjamin wrote, “4hrs after arrival, still at the airport. Also still have 2hrs drive to the hotel.”

The Super Eagles are scheduled to take on Libya on Tuesday in the second leg of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

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The first leg saw the Super Eagles triumph 1-0 in Uyo, as they put themselves in good stead for a qualification ticket to next year’s AFCON in Morocco.

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EPL: Rooney Names Team To Win Title

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Former Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney, has said Arsenal will go on to win the Premier League title, after Manchester City dropped points against Everton.

City were held to a 3-3 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.

The result means Pep Guardiola’s men are now five points behind Arsenal, but they have one game in hand.

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READ ALSO:EPL: Chelsea Winger, Mudryk Banned For Four Years After Failing Drug Test 

Rooney believes the Gunners will beat West Ham this weekend and go on to be champions.

He said on BBC Sport: “No, I’m concerned for West Ham. I just think Arsenal are efficient and professional.

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“I just think they will win every game. So obviously, with the result tonight, that means they will win the league.”

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UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies

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Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.

Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.

Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.

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READ ALSO:EPL: Guardiola Reveals Only Chance Man City Will Win Title Ahead Of Arsenal

According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.

“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.

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If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.

READ ALSO:EPL: Arsenal In Shock Move To Sign Kvaratskhelia From PSG

You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.

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“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”

Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.

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Enabulele Lauds Okpebholo’s Bold Reforms As Edo Sports Witnesses Revival

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The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as a bold and transformative approach to sports development.

Speaking on efforts to reposition sports in the state, Enabulele noted that with Okpebholo’s visionary leadership, the sector has witnessed renewed growth.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, the Edo Sports Commission boss attributed the progress to the governor’s strategic policies and sustained commitment to youth development, which he said have laid the foundation for a more structured and results-driven system.

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His Excellency has demonstrated clear vision and genuine commitment to sports development. The level of support we are receiving has significantly repositioned Edo as a competitive force in national sporting events,” he said.

READ ALSO:Grassroots To Global Podium: Edo Sports Commission Marks Enabulele’s First Year In Office

He explained that targeted investments in grassroots development are already producing results, with a growing number of young talents being identified and nurtured across multiple disciplines.

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We are deliberately building from the grassroots. A large percentage of our athletes today are homegrown, which speaks to the sustainability of our development model,” Enabulele added.

The Commission, he noted, is also shifting away from an over-reliance on football to a broader multi-sport focus.

Edo State, he said, is now recording improved performances in athletics, combat sports, and other emerging areas.

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READ ALSO:2025 NYG: Be Determined, Enabulele Charges Team Edo, As Screening Commences In A’Ibom

Our goal is to strengthen all sports. The results are beginning to show across different disciplines, and this is only the start,” he said.

Enabulele further pointed to ongoing improvements in sports infrastructure and athlete welfare as critical factors in sustaining performance and encouraging wider participation among young people.

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We are building a system that will endure. With the continued support of the governor, Edo is on course to becoming a dominant force in sports at both national and international levels,” he stated.

He expressed confidence that the current momentum would translate into greater achievements for Edo athletes, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to excellence, discipline, and long-term development.

 

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