The Tunisian pilot who transported the Super Eagles to Libya for their upcoming match has shared details of a mid-flight incident, revealing that they were allegedly ordered by top Libyan authorities to change the flight’s destination. In a video circulating on X (formerly Twitter), the pilot described how, despite planning to land at the designated airport, they were instructed by officials to divert to a different one just as they neared their original destination.
The pilot stated that he had tried to inform the officials multiple times—at least eight—about the issue, but they insisted that the command came from the highest authority and had to be obeyed. He expressed concern for the players’ safety, as the fuel was specifically calculated for the original route.
This disclosure follows reports suggesting the Super Eagles players faced mistreatment from Libyan authorities prior to their match. The pilot’s statement has sparked widespread attention, with numerous reactions flooding the comments of the video post.
WATCH VIDEO:
See some reactions below:
@mrroyekpo: “What a life. This north Africans don’t want to be part of the African continent they should go get theirs.”
@max_hwang_: “this is wickedness. fuel already calculated to get them to the destination and they diverted him what if the fuel gets done during landing and something has happened to our players do they have any idea what that will cost their country? They are playing with European players.”
@xerxesth: “The painful part of this whole thing are the Nigeria Sport journalist supporting the injustice melted on our players. Some went as far as saying we got what we deserved. I was shocked.”
@ThePeakSanti: “Can’t believe we have Nigerians trying to justify this nonsense.”
@Horlartunjee1: “From his explanation, it could have been worse/disastrous. He said the order came from the highest authority. Our players’ lives were put in danger. Thank God nothing bad happened to the aircraft.”
@Cleverlydey4u: “Libya should be banned from international Football, the North Africans are known for this.”
@Swagberg: “Wow their experience in the hands of Libyans was so horrible bro. I hope CAF are taking note and take the appropriate action against them.”