Nigeria's Super Eagles will boycott their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya on Tuesday after a distressing experience at an airport. The team was scheduled to land in Benghazi on Sunday, but their flight was diverted to Al Abraq, about 230km away.
A Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) official stated the players were "completely abandoned" and locked inside the airport after attempts to leave. Team captain William Troost-Ekong called for government intervention, saying, "We will not play this game."
Senator John Owan Enoh, Nigeria's minister of sports, emphasized the team's safe return as the main priority. The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) expressed concern but denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the flight diversion was unintentional.
The Confederation of African Football (Caf) is involved, and the matter has been referred to its disciplinary board for investigation. Troost-Ekong updated fans on X, stating that the team expected to depart Libya soon, as their plane was being fueled.
A Night of Distress
NFF media manager Promise Efoghe reported that no explanation was provided for the flight diversion, and the Libyan authorities did not assist the stranded team. Players faced a night without food, Wi-Fi, or proper accommodations, with some sharing images of themselves sleeping on airport seating.
Troost-Ekong announced the boycott, describing the situation as "disgraceful." The LFF responded that disruptions can happen for various reasons, urging for goodwill in resolving the issue.
Senator Enoh communicated with Caf officials, insisting on consequences for the LFF and stating, "This cannot continue as if Nigeria should play under these circumstances." He highlighted the players' trauma and safety concerns.
Libya Rejects Accusations
The incident follows Libya's complaints about their treatment during a recent visit to Nigeria, where they alleged poor arrangements by the NFF. Those claims were denied.
Troost-Ekong characterized Nigeria's arrival in Libya as "mind games," a claim the LFF refuted, stating there was no intentional misconduct. The journey from Al Abraq to Benghazi takes over three hours by road, and Troost-Ekong expressed safety concerns about traveling that way.
Due to the ongoing political situation in Libya, the Nigerian embassy in Tripoli could not assist. Troost-Ekong reiterated that safety is a priority and expressed doubts about accommodations and food quality if they proceeded.
Nigeria currently leads Group D with seven points, while Libya sits at the bottom with one point, facing potential elimination.
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