For the ongoing 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, the Super Eagles of Nigeria were scheduled to take on the Mediterranean Knights of Libya on Tuesday, October 15, for the second leg after winning the first leg 1-0 against Libya in a match held in Uyo, Nigeria on October 11.
However, on Sunday, October 13, the Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express displeasure at the treatment meted out to the Nigerian team upon entry into Libya.
“12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Lybia after our plane was diverted whilst descending. The Lybian government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason. They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without phone connection, food or drink. All to play mind games.” He tweeted.
Journalist Adepoju Tobi Samuel, who was on-site in Libya, revealed that the initial agreement and approval obtained by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) was for a chartered flight to land in Benghazi, less than 30 minutes away from Benina, where the match would be played. Mid-flight, the plane was unexpectedly diverted to Abraq Airport, altering the team’s travel plans and forcing them to undertake a three-hour road journey.
When we landed yesterday, we never knew what was waiting for us.
— Adepoju Tobi Samuel 🇳🇬 (@OgaNlaMedia) October 14, 2024
Troost-Ekong also expressed the team’s unwilllingness to play their upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya after being subjected to hostile treatment upon arrival in the country.
The Super Falcons have received similar treatment.
It is important to note that earlier this year, Nigeria’s national female football team, the Super Falcons, faced similar treatment in South Africa during the 2024 Olympics qualifiers.
The director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Competitions, Ruth David, reported that South African Football Association authorities abandoned the Falcons immediately after Tunisian referee Dorsaf Ganouati’s final whistle confirmed that Nigeria, and not South Africa, would be joining Brazil, Spain and Japan in Group C of this year’s Olympic Tournament.
“The officials made it clear that we were thenceforth on our own. They said the bus would not move us anywhere again, and that their responsibilities ended with the final whistle. They only took us back to the hotel and no longer detailed security personnel for the delegation,” David reported.
Libya’s response to Nigeria
Reacting to the accusations leveled against them, the Libyan Football Association issued an official statement regarding the mistreatment of Nigeria’s Super Eagles and their delegates during their arrival in Libya.
“We are deeply concerned about the recent reports surrounding the diversion of the Nigerian national team’s flight ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Libya. While we regret any inconvenience caused, it is essential to note that such incidents can occur due to routine air traffic control protocols, security checks, or logistical challenges that affect international air travel.” The Libyan Football Association stated.
“There are no grounds to accuse the Libyan security teams or the Libyan Football Federation of deliberately orchestrating this incident. We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation. It is important to highlight that just last week, our own national team faced significant challenges upon our arrival in Nigeria…despite the difficulties we encountered, we did not make public accusations nor question the integrity of the Nigerian authorities.”
However, video proof surfaced online, refuting claims that the Libyan football team was mistreated in Nigeria.
CAF opens investigations
Reacting to the conflicting claims yesterday, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe and Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba asked the Super Eagles to honor the game while the confederation investigated the situation.
But the Nigerian Sports Minister, John Owan Enoh, rejected the request. The minister, who was on a conference call with the CAF President and CAF’sSecretary General said the CAF president’s concern was getting the national teams to play the game as scheduled, but “I have instead informed CAF that the concern of the government and people of Nigeria is first, the safety of the team and their safe return.”
CAF has since opened an investigation into the Super Eagles ordeal in Libya and has threatened to sanction those found violating its statutes and regulations. A statement on Monday, October 14, revealed that “The matter has been referred to the CAF Disciplinary Board for investigation and appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the CAF Statutes and Regulations.”
The Super Eagles return to Nigeria.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), after consulting with the team doctors and players, was advised to refrain from honouring the game due to the players’ health concerns.
On Monday, October 14, the Super Eagles captain, Troost-Ekong, tweeted that the team was “back home safe and sound,” they were received at the Abuja airport by the Minister of Sports Owan Enoh.
UPDATE:
We have landed in Abuja.
The Minister of Sports, @OwanEnoh on arrival to receive the team.
Emotional moment for the contingent. pic.twitter.com/XHRoZ5ED2F
— Adepoju Tobi Samuel 🇳🇬 (@OgaNlaMedia) October 14, 2024
Libya threatens legal actions against Nigeria.
The Libyan Football Federation has condemned Nigeria’s decision to withdraw from the scheduled 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, threatening to take legal action to protect its national team’s interests.
In its statement shared by The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) and translated by The Libya Observer, the LFF accused the Nigerian Football Federation of failing to cooperate in organising the match and causing the confusion that led to the current situation.
Nigeria currently leads Group D with seven points after three games, while Libya is at rock bottom with one point.
This is a developing story.
