A tense situation unfolded over the weekend as the Nigerian national football team, including Sevilla’s Chidera Ejuke and Kelechi Iheanacho, faced a grueling 13-hour ordeal at an abandoned airport in Libya.
The team, traveling for an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match, departed for Benghazi on Sunday morning.
However, due to unforeseen circumstances, their plane was diverted to Al Abraq, a deserted airport in northwestern Libya.
Players, including Ejuke and Iheanacho, were left stranded without food or water for over 15 hours. Reports suggest this may have been retaliation by Libyan authorities stemming from grievances over a previous match held in Nigeria.
News of the ordeal reached Sevilla, prompting the Spanish club to take immediate action.
Recognizing the importance of Ejuke and Iheanacho for their upcoming La Liga fixture against Barcelona, Sevilla actively pursued alternative flight arrangements to ensure their players’ safe and swift return.
Sevilla’s efforts proved unnecessary as the Nigerian government intervened, resolving the situation and allowing the Super Eagles to depart Libya on Monday afternoon.
Ejuke and Iheanacho rejoined the team in Abuja before heading back to Spain.
Sevilla head coach García Pimienta expects both players back in training by Thursday as they prepare for the crucial La Liga clash against Barcelona this coming Sunday.
