Nigeria Boycotts AFCON Qualifier After Airport Ordeal

Nigeria has announced its boycott of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya due to a troubling experience at an airport. The Super Eagles were scheduled to land in Benghazi on Sunday but faced a diversion to Al Abraq, approximately 230 km away. Upon arrival, they felt “completely abandoned.” They reported that officials locked them inside the airport after trying to arrange alternative transportation.

Captain William Troost-Ekong confirmed that the squad decided not to play and urged the Nigerian government to intervene. Sports Development Minister John Owan Enoh stated that the team’s safe return remains the top priority. The Libyan Football Federation expressed concern over the situation but denied any wrongdoing, emphasizing that the flight diversion was unintentional.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is currently investigating the incident after it received reports about the Super Eagles being stranded in “disturbing conditions.” Troost-Ekong shared on X that they expected to leave Libya on Monday afternoon indicating that someone was fueling their plane. Meanwhile, Enoh directed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to file a formal complaint with CAF regarding their treatment.

NFF media manager Promise Efoghe highlighted the lack of assistance from Libyan officials and described the experience as akin to being in “prison” at the airport. Players reported being without food, Wi-Fi or suitable sleeping arrangements leading Troost-Ekong to label the situation as disgraceful. This incident followed Libya’s complaints about their treatment during their visit to Nigeria for the reverse fixture.

As a result, relations between the two teams have become further complicated. With Nigeria leading Group D on seven points and Libya struggling at the bottom, the impending match’s outcome remains uncertain.