Nigerian Super Eagles Threaten Boycott of 2025 AFCON Qualifier Due to Travel Ordeal in Libya
Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, announced their intent to boycott an upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match in Libya following an exhausting and frustrating travel experience. Players reported being stranded for hours after their flight was diverted to a distant airport, leaving them without basic provisions and causing an outcry for assistance.
Diverted Flight Leaves Super Eagles Stranded
The Nigerian team was scheduled to arrive in Benghazi, Libya, on Sunday to prepare for their AFCON qualifier. However, their flight was unexpectedly diverted to Labraq airport, located 230 kilometers from Benghazi. Despite prior arrangements, Nigerian players were left waiting inside the airport, allegedly without food or sleeping arrangements, sparking a strong reaction from the team.
Players Voice Frustration and Refuse to Play
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong took to social media to express the team’s frustration. “We have asked the Nigerian government to come to our rescue,” he stated, citing this treatment as “disgraceful.” Other team members echoed similar sentiments, with forward Victor Boniface posting online about the lack of essential resources, including food, internet, and accommodations.
Response from Libyan Football Federation
The Libyan Football Federation issued a statement expressing concern but denying any ill intent. The federation emphasized respect for their Nigerian counterparts, attributing the flight diversion to routine air traffic and security protocols rather than deliberate actions. “We hope this misunderstanding can be resolved through mutual respect,” the federation added.
Escalating Tensions: Mutual Allegations Between Nigeria and Libya
This incident follows reports from the Libyan side, who claim their team experienced “hostile treatment” during a recent visit to Nigeria. Libyan officials alleged that, upon arrival, their plane was diverted, and that transportation arrangements were insufficient. Nigerian officials have denied these allegations, intensifying tensions between the two federations.
Nigerian Players Concerned About Security and Conditions
Given the security concerns in Libya, Troost-Ekong noted that the players were uncomfortable with the idea of traveling over 230 kilometers by road to reach Benghazi. The country remains politically divided, and Nigerian representatives expressed serious safety reservations. “We will not accept to travel anywhere by road here, even with security escorts,” Troost-Ekong said, emphasizing the team’s commitment to player safety above all.
Calls for Resolution from the Nigerian Football Federation
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) media representative Promis Efogh condemned the handling of the situation, describing it as akin to being “in a prison inside the airport.” Efogh noted the lack of support from Libyan officials and called for immediate intervention from the Nigerian government and international football organizations.
Impact on AFCON Qualifying Standings
Despite the ongoing dispute, Nigeria currently leads Group 4 in the AFCON qualifiers, having recently defeated Libya 1-0 in Uyo. However, with the Super Eagles threatening to boycott the next match, their standing could be at risk, and the controversy has placed added pressure on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to address the dispute.
This complex situation underscores the challenges of international sports travel amid geopolitical tensions, with both Nigeria and Libya calling for mutual respect as they seek to resolve the issue ahead of the match.
