Nigeria boycott AFCON qualifier in Libya as players, including Premier League stars, stranded at airport for more than 12 hours
The Super Eagles had been due to play Libya in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifer on Tuesday night, but have been left fuming by the conditions they have been left in.
The Nigeria players are stranded at the airport
Players, including Fulham stars Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey along with Leicester's Wilfred Ndidi, landed at Al Albraq airport, which is about two hours from their intended destination of Benghazi.
The Libyan authorities are said to have not provided any transportation and the airport gate was even reportedly locked.
As a result of this, the Nigeran Football Federation released a statement saying they were boycotting the match.
The statement said: “Super Eagles still at Al Abraq Airport 12 hours after landing in Libya!
“The delegation of Nigeria to Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya still remained at the Al Abraq Airport 12 hours after landing in Libya.
“The chartered ValueJet aircraft was, strangely and in a dangerous manner, diverted to the small airport away from Benghazi just as the pilot was completing his approach to the Benghazi Airport. We understand the Al Abraq International Airport is only used for hajj operations.
“Fatigued players and officials have remained nonplussed as the host Libyan Football Federation failed to send any reception team or even vehicles to take the delegation members from the airport to their hotel, said to be 3 hours away in Benghazi
The NFF made arrangements for separate vehicles for the team but the plan was unhinged by the diversion of the aircraft.
“Players have resolved not to play the match any longer as NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home.”
The situation has been slammed by a number of the players, with Leicester's Wilfred Ndidi saying: "This is not football. Very embarrassing. Hostage to a national team. Disgrace."
Writing on Instagram, Victor Osimhen said: "This attempt by the Libyan FA is no longer just a delay, it's an intentional tactic to weaken and ruin the morale of the players, and it's beginning to look more like a hostage situation.
Osimhen expressed his fury at the situatio
"The safety and well being of my teammates and all the team staffs are the most important things right now.
"Our captain has said we won't play the match and I fully support that, except if the game is taken to a neutral ground.
"My brothers and coaches must return home safely, we are not criminals or prisoners.
"I can imagine how terrible they must feel right now, as I've had a similar experience during my Under-17 days. This is totally unfair and heartbreaking.
"Again, I call on CAF, the Nigerian government and other relevant authorities to act swiftly and ensure their safe return."
Super Eagles star Victor Boniface posted on X: "Been at the airport for almost 13 hours no food, no wifi, nowhere to sleep. African we can do better."
He later added: "Help me call my grandmother, say her grandson dey ok. Nah this is sick."
Leicester's Wilfred Ndidi was among the Premier League players with the Nigeria squadCredit: Getty
Bright Osayi-Samuel added: "I've been stuck in a random Libyan airport for 15 hourse with no guarantee health and safety. We can do better."
Former Watford player William Troost-Ekong said: "12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Lybia after our plane was diverted whilst descending. 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.
"I’ve experienced stuff before playing away in Africa but this is disgraceful behaviour. Even the Tunisian Pilot who thankfully managed to navigate the last minute change to an airport not fit for our plane to land had never seen something like that.
"Upon arrival he tried to find a nearby airport to rest with his crew to be denied at every hotel again under Government instruction. He could sleep there but NO NIGERIAN crew members allowed. They have returned to now sleep on the plane which is parked up.
"At this point we have called for our Nigerian Government to intervene and rescue us. As the captain together with the team we have decided that we will NOT play this game. CAF should look at the report and what is happening here. Even if they decide to allow.
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