Frank Christian
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification process is facing turmoil as Nigeria contemplates skipping their upcoming match in Libya due to troubling circumstances at an airport.
The Super Eagles were expected to arrive in Benghazi for their AFCON qualifying match, but their flight was redirected to Al Abraq, about 230 kilometers from the original location.
An official from the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) expressed to BBC Sport Africa that the team was left “abandoned” and not allowed to leave the airport despite attempts to get to Benghazi. They later confirmed they would not proceed with the journey due to safety fears.
William Troost-Ekong, the team captain, took to X to announce that the players agreed to boycott the game after urging Nigerian authorities to step in. His posts included pictures indicating teammates resting on benches at the airport and claimed Libyan officials had left them “without communication, food, or drink.” He suggested this was a form of psychological manipulation.
— William Troost-Ekong (M.O.N) (@WTroostEkong) October 14, 2024
The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) responded through BBC, stating their deep concern about the issue, while asserting they had not acted with malice.
They conveyed, “We hold our Nigerian colleagues in high esteem and want to assure them there was no intent to divert the flight.” The LFF also refuted Troost-Ekong’s allegations of “mind games,” arguing that such behavior is against their principles and values.
Details of the Nigerian Football Team’s Ordeal at the Libyan Airport
Troost-Ekong mentioned that the Tunisian pilot had encountered such a situation for the first time when instructed to divert last minute. He reported that the team was left alone in the airport, leading him to declare their intention to forgo the Tuesday match, even if that meant conceding a win to Libya.
He urged the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to take action and stated on X, “As captain and along with the team, we have resolved that we will NOT play this match. CAF must investigate the conditions here. If they permit this kind of conduct, they can keep the points. We refuse to travel by road here; it is not safe. We can only speculate about hotel conditions or meals if we proceed.”
Been at the airport for almost 13 hours no food no wifi no where to sleep
African we can do better @caf— Victor Boniface (@boniface_jrn) October 14, 2024
“We respect ourselves and our opponents when they visit Nigeria. Errors occur, but deliberate actions like this are not acceptable in international football.”
Troost-Ekong reported that airport personnel had reportedly been “filming us and laughing” after their flight was grounded allegedly due to a fueling issue. The players also learned that a bus was supposedly available to transport them to Benghazi after they voiced their situation online. Striker Victor Boniface called the experience “scary.”
Troost-Ekong noted that the aircraft was finally allowed to return to Nigeria, adding, “We would never treat a visiting nation this way. Mistakes do happen, but they are never intentional!”
Boniface echoed Troost-Ekong’s sentiment that the team was without essential supplies. NFF media manager Promise Efoghe informed BBC that “no Libyan FA officials approached us to explain or clarify the reasons for the flight diversion.”
“The Libyans provided no assistance,” he said. “When the NFF attempted to organize alternative arrangements, we were confined within the airport. It felt like imprisonment.”
Libyan football authorities refuted Troost-Ekong’s claims of foul play or sabotage, stating, “We categorically reject any allegations suggesting misconduct in this situation.”
This situation escalated after Libya previously accused Nigeria of wrongdoing during their trip to Uyo for an earlier match. Libyan officials claimed they were rerouted to Port Harcourt and left without transportation for the 130 km to Uyo, resulting in lengthy delays. The NFF denied these allegations.
SUPER EAGLES STRANDED IN LIBYA
Captain Williams Troost-Ekong releases pictures of the Super Eagles and how they slept during the night.
Shameful and sad #54footballx pic.twitter.com/uQLjeFrXJq
— Official54fx (@54footballx) October 14, 2024
Striker Victor Osimhen, who was absent from the squad during this break, expressed via Instagram his disappointment over the “unjust treatment” facing his teammates at the airport in Libya.
“Such actions contradict the essence of sportsmanship. I support my team and believe they will endure despite these challenges.” He called on CAF and other football organizations to step in, as his teammates remained stranded at the airport— labeling the treatment as “unacceptable and inhumane.” “United, we stand stronger than ever.”
Nigeria leads their Group D qualifying standings, and a victory against Libya would secure their spot in the tournament if the match occurs.
