The Tunisian pilot who flew the Super Eagles to Libya has opened up on the events that led to their unexpected diversion to the remote airport, Al-Abraq, instead of their intended destination- Benghazi.
Controversy started after the Nigerian delegation, en-route to Benghazi for Tuesday’s crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya, found themselves stranded for over 16 hours on Sunday following the diversion.
The plane was redirected to Al-Abraq, a small airport typically used for hajj operations, nearly 300 kilometers east of Benghazi.
In a video interview shared by Sports Journalist Pooja Media on X, the pilot explained that the diversion was not his decision but mandated by Libyan authorities.
He expressed concerns over the safety risks posed by the sudden change, explaining that the fuel on board was calculated for the original destination.
He refuted media claims that the diversion was his choice, stressing that all aviation communications are recorded and could be provided as evidence when and if needed.
The conditions at Al-Abraq posed further challenges according to him, he described the small airport as poorly equipped, lacking essential navigation systems like an Instrument Landing System (ILS) and VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR), making a night landing in marginal weather conditions particularly difficult.
