The Super Eagles have forfeited their 2025 AFCON qualifiers matchday 4 fixture against Libya due to the hostile treatment the team encountered upon their arrival in Libya yesterday.
The team was abandoned at a Libyan airport for hours after reports suggested that their plane was diverted mid-descent.
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong earlier confirmed that the Nigerian team would return home and not participate in the 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya, following the unfriendly treatment they experienced.
“Power of social media. Apparently, our plane is being refueled as we speak, and we should be leaving for Nigeria shortly. Thanks for everyone’s support!
I REITERATE: We would NEVER treat a guest nation for a game in this way. Mistakes happen, delays happen, but never on purpose.”
In what seems to be an act of retaliation, the Libyan Football Federation claimed they had faced similar mistreatment in Nigeria when their plane landed in Port Harcourt instead of Uyo. However, they distanced themselves from the current controversy.
The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owah Enoh, who condemned the treatment, has contacted CAF, asserting that the safety of the team must be prioritized:
“As Sports Minister, I have instructed the NFF president to submit a formal complaint to CAF, without prejudice to any actions already taken. This must be on record and thoroughly addressed.
This morning, I participated in a conference call with the CAF President and the CAF Secretary-General. While the CAF President’s primary concern seemed to be ensuring that the national team participates in tomorrow’s match, I emphasized that the Nigerian Government’s priority is the safety of the team and their safe return. CAF must focus on working with us to achieve this.
There must be serious consequences for the Libyan Football Federation for this unspeakable behavior. It is unacceptable to insist that Nigeria participates in this match given the obvious situation.”
The Super Eagles had defeated Libya by a lone goal in Uyo, Nigeria, in the matchday 3 encounter, thanks to Dele Bashiru’s late strike. The Eagles currently sit at the top of the group with seven points, while Libya has only managed a draw from three games.
