In a surprising turn of events, Nigeria’s national men’s soccer team, known as the Super Eagles, has announced their decision to boycott their upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya. This decision comes after the team endured a challenging experience at Al Abraq Airport in Libya, where they were stranded for more than 15 hours.
In a surprising turn of events, Nigeria’s national men’s soccer team, known as the Super Eagles, has announced their decision to boycott their upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya. This decision comes after the team endured a challenging experience at Al Abraq Airport in Libya, where they were stranded for more than 15 hours.
Initially scheduled to arrive in Benghazi, the Super Eagles’ chartered flight was diverted to Al Abraq, located over 200 kilometers away from their intended destination. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) reported that this unexpected change left the players feeling abandoned, leading to their decision not to participate in the match.
The NFF criticized the diversion as “dangerous,” highlighting that Al Abraq International Airport is typically reserved for hajj operations rather than international sporting events. With no transportation arranged to take them to their hotel—allegedly three hours away in Benghazi—the team was left in an uncomfortable and frustrating situation.
Seeking Clarification and Support
NFF officials voiced their concerns regarding the lack of support from the Libyan Football Federation (LFF), which failed to provide any reception team or means of transport for the delegation. In response, the LFF expressed their respect for the Nigerian team and stated that the diversion was unintentional, hoping for an amicable resolution to the misunderstanding.
Tensions have escalated between the two nations since Nigeria’s recent victory against Libya, with Libyan officials claiming poor treatment during their visit to Nigeria. The NFF has rejected these claims, suggesting that the LFF caused confusion for its own team.
CAF Steps In
In response to the incident, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has taken notice and is investigating the matter. They confirmed that both teams had reported the distressing conditions faced by the Super Eagles during their time at the airport. CAF plans to address the situation appropriately in accordance with its regulations.
Captain’s Outrage
Team captain William Troost-Ekong shared his frustration on social media, referring to their situation as “mind games.” He described the harsh conditions they faced, including a lack of food, water, and communication. Troost-Ekong remarked, “I have encountered difficulties before in Africa, but this situation is unacceptable.”
He emphasized that traveling by road in Libya would not be safe, expressing concern over how the team would be treated if they continued their journey. Troost-Ekong highlighted their commitment to treating opponents with respect, stating, “We would never allow such treatment for a visiting nation.”
Returning Home
Amidst the ongoing turmoil, striker Victor Boniface also shared updates on social media, expressing solidarity with his teammates. Ultimately, the Super Eagles made the choice to return to Nigeria instead of playing the match in Libya, sending a strong message about the need for respect and proper treatment in international football.
This incident raises important questions about the logistics of international matches in regions with complex political climates. As Nigeria currently leads Group D in the AFCON qualifiers, the implications of this boycott for their campaign remain to be seen.
