Last week, Nigerian football faced significant challenges as the Super Eagles endured a harrowing experience in Libya. Following a narrow 1-0 victory in Uyo during their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, the team traveled to Benghazi for the return leg. However, their journey took a troubling turn when Libyan authorities, reportedly displeased with the reception in Nigeria, redirected their flight to the abandoned Al Abraq airport. Stranded for over 15 hours without food, water, or internet, the players and officials, including the Nigerian Football Federation president, were left frustrated and exhausted.

Refusing to play the scheduled match due to the ordeal, the Super Eagles only left Libya after intervention from the Nigerian government and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which has since removed the fixture from its schedule pending a disciplinary decision.

Upon returning, the players quickly rejoined their clubs, each facing their own challenges and triumphs.

In Africa, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made four saves for Chippa United in a League Cup clash against TS Galaxy but ultimately lost 1-0 after extra time. Captain William Troost-Ekong played the full match for Al Kholood, contributing to a 1-1 draw against Al Fateh in the Saudi Pro League. In the MLS, Alhassan Yusuf provided an assist for New England Revolution in their 6-2 loss to Inter Miami, where stars Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi led the comeback.

In Europe, Bruno Onyemaechi was rested for Boavista’s 1-0 loss to Varzim in the Taça de Portugal. Moses Simon shone for Nantes, assisting in their 1-1 draw with OGC Nice, while Ademola Lookman struggled during Atalanta’s 2-0 win over Venezia, substituted at halftime.

Frank Onyeka played energetically for Augsburg in their 3-1 Bundesliga defeat to Freiburg. Meanwhile, Victor Boniface missed an early penalty for Bayer Leverkusen against Eintracht Frankfurt but redeemed himself by scoring the winner in a 2-1 victory. Unfortunately, shortly after, Boniface was involved in a car accident but fortunately suffered only minor injuries.

Samuel Chukwueze, who missed the trip to Libya due to injury, returned to AC Milan and scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory over Udinese, whose goalkeeper Maduka Okoye could do little to stop him. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Nigeria’s goal-scorer in Uyo, remained on the bench during Lazio’s 1-0 defeat to Juventus, while Raphael Onyedika assisted in Club Brugge’s 2-1 win over Westerlo.

In Spain, Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidera Ejuke were part of Sevilla’s squad against Barcelona, with Ejuke leaving the match injured in a 5-1 defeat. Bright Osayi-Samuel did not feature in Fenerbahce’s 2-2 draw with Samsunspor.

In England, Semi Ajayi played well for West Brom in their 1-1 Championship draw, while Crawley Town handed Benjamin Tanimu his debut in a 4-1 loss to Reading. Wilfried Ndidi was instrumental in Leicester City’s thrilling 3-2 comeback win over Southampton, where Joe Aribo also played. Finally, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi completed the full 90 minutes in Fulham’s 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa, while Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi were named in Nottingham Forest’s squad for their Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.