Nigeria’s Super Eagles are threatening to boycott their crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifier against Libya after being stranded at an airport for hours. The team was diverted to Al Abraq Airport, approximately 230 kilometers away from their intended destination in Benghazi, and were left locked inside the airport overnight, sparking outrage among players and officials.
The Nigerian team was scheduled to land in Benghazi on Sunday to prepare for their AFCON qualifier on Tuesday. However, their flight was unexpectedly diverted to Al Abraq, a city far from Benghazi, with no explanation provided. The situation worsened when the Nigerian contingent found themselves “completely abandoned” and locked inside the airport, according to an official from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong took to social media to express his frustration, declaring the team’s intention to boycott the match unless immediate action is taken to resolve the situation.
“As the captain together with the team, we have decided that we will not play this game,” Troost-Ekong posted on X (formerly Twitter). “At this point, we have called for our Nigerian government to intervene and rescue us.”
Troost-Ekong condemned the treatment of the squad, labeling the situation “disgraceful” and comparing the players’ experience to being imprisoned. The players were reportedly left without basic necessities such as food, internet access, and a proper place to sleep. Several images circulating online show players stretched out on uncomfortable airport chairs as they awaited help.
The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has denied any wrongdoing, stating that the diversion of the Nigerian team’s flight was not intentional. In a statement, the LFF said it was “deeply concerned” about the situation but emphasized that the flight diversion could have been caused by routine air traffic protocols, security checks, or logistical challenges.
“We have the utmost respect for our Nigerian counterparts and want to reassure them that the diversion of their flight was not intentional,” the statement read. “We hope this misunderstanding can be resolved with understanding and goodwill.”
The LFF also rejected claims that the incident was part of any “mind games” or deliberate sabotage. Troost-Ekong had earlier described the events as an attempt to play psychological games with the team ahead of the important qualifier.
The journey from Al Abraq to Benghazi would take over three and a half hours by road, but the Nigerian players have refused to travel by that means, citing concerns about the security situation in Libya. Libya remains politically divided, with two rival administrations vying for control of the country — one based in the east, which includes Benghazi, and the other in the west, centered in Tripoli.
Striker Victor Boniface echoed his captain’s concerns, stating that the team feels unsafe traveling by road. The political instability in Libya complicates the situation further, with the Nigerian embassy in Tripoli unable to assist due to the precarious security environment.
Promise Efoghe, the media manager for the NFF, expressed frustration at the lack of communication from the Libyan authorities. He reiterated that no Libyan FA official had come forward to provide any explanation or assistance.
“The Libyans made no effort to help. When the NFF tried to make alternative arrangements, we were locked inside the airport. It’s like we are in a prison at the airport,” Efoghe told reporters.
The Nigerian government has been called upon to intervene and ensure the safety of the Super Eagles squad. There are growing fears about what further treatment the players could face if they continue their stay in Libya, including concerns over accommodation, food, and transportation.
“We respect ourselves and our opponents when they are our guests in Nigeria. Mistakes happen, but these things on purpose have nothing to do with [international] football,” Troost-Ekong added in his statement.
The match is crucial for both teams, with Nigeria sitting at the top of Group D with seven points, while Libya languishes at the bottom with just one point. Nigeria secured a 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture held in Uyo last Friday. A win on Tuesday could see the Super Eagles move closer to securing qualification for the 2025 AFCON tournament.
However, the escalating situation puts the game in doubt. If the Nigerian team follows through with its threat to boycott, it could have serious implications for their qualification campaign.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has been contacted for comment, and the footballing world waits anxiously to see how this dramatic situation unfolds.
