By Aaior K. Comfort

The Tunisian pilot who flew the Nigerian Super Eagles to Libya has disclosed that the order to divert their flight to Al-Abraq, a remote airport, came from Libya’s highest authorities. The Nigerian team had been headed to Benghazi for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier but found themselves stranded for over 16 hours after the diversion.

In a video interview shared by Sports Journalist Pooja Media, the pilot clarified that the decision to divert the flight was not his own but was mandated by Libyan officials. “The flight plan was to land in Benghazi, and we had approval from the Libyan Civil Aviation Authority. However, as we began our descent, they instructed us to divert to Al-Abraq, which is 150 miles away,” he explained.

He emphasized that the diversion posed safety concerns due to fuel calculations made for Benghazi. Despite repeatedly questioning the directive, Libyan authorities insisted that the order came from “the highest authority.”

Refuting media reports that the diversion was his decision, the pilot said, “Everything is documented in aviation. I asked them at least eight times to land in Benghazi, but they insisted on the diversion.”

The pilot also described the challenging conditions at Al-Abraq, a poorly equipped domestic airport with no Instrument Landing System or proper air navigation equipment. “It was a difficult landing, especially at night with marginal weather conditions,” he added, noting that his experience in the region helped ensure the safe landing.

Following the incident, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced that the Super Eagles would not proceed with the match against Libya, and plans are underway to return the team to Nigeria.