Qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has been hit by controversy with Nigeria considering a boycott of their match in Libya after claims they were left stranded in an airport.
The Super Eagles squad was due to land in Benghazi on Sunday ahead of Tuesday’s AFCON qualifying game, but their plane was diverted to Al Abraq, approximately 230 kilometres away from their intended destination.
An official from the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) was quoted as telling BBC Sport Africa that the travelling group was left “completely abandoned” and not permitted to leave the airport after making alternative arrangements to travel to Benghazi. They later insisted they would not make the journey under any circumstances due to concerns about their safety.
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong posted on X to say the players had collectively decided to boycott the fixture after calling on the Nigerian government to intervene. He posted photographs appearing to show teammates sleeping on airport benches and accused Libyan officials of leaving the squad “without phone connection, food or drink. All to play mind games”.
pic.twitter.com/UrMAawFdQb
— William Troost-Ekong (M.O.N) (@WTroostEkong) October 14, 2024
In response, the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) said via the BBC that it was “deeply concerned” over the situation but denied any intentional wrongdoing.
“We have the utmost respect for our Nigerian counterparts and want to reassure them that the diversion of their flight was not intentional,” it said.
The LFF also denied Troost-Ekong’s claims of “mind games”, insisting: “There are no grounds to accuse the Libyan security teams or the LFF of deliberately orchestrating this incident. Such actions are inconsistent with our values and principles.
“We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation.”
MORE: How Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s late goal saw Nigeria defeat Libya
What happened to Nigeria football team at airport in Libya?
According to players including captain Troost-Ekong, the Nigeria squad were left stranded in an airport in Al Abraq after their flight to Benghazi was diverted.
Troost-Ekong claimed the plane’s Tunisian pilot “had never seen something like this before” after he was apparently ordered to divert at late notice. The player said the Nigeria squad were left isolated inside the airport, prompting him to state they would boycott Tuesday’s scheduled game, even if it meant forfeiting the result in Libya’s favour.
Calling on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to take action, he said on X: “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 this kind of behaviour, let them have the points. We will not accept to travel anywhere by road here even with security it’s not safe. We can only imagine what the hotel or food would be like given to us IF we continued.
Been at the airport for almost 13 hours no food no wifi no where to sleep
African we can do better @caf— Victor Boniface (@boniface_jrn) October 14, 2024
“We respect ourselves and respect our opponents when they are our guests in Nigeria. Mistakes happen but these things on purpose have nothing to do with int. football.”
Troost-Ekong posted a few hours later alleging airport staff had been “filming us and laughing” after the plane was not allowed to leave, apparently amid issue over refuelling. He also alleged they were told that a bus had been available to take them to Benghazi for several hours, but only after the players had posted their concerns on social media. Striker Victor Boniface described the situation as “scary”.
Troost-Ekong followed up to state the aircraft was being allowed to return to Nigeria, adding: “We would NEVER treat a guest nation for a game in this way. Mistakes happen, delays happen. But never on purpose!”
Boniface supported Troost-Ekong’s claims that the squad were left without food or water. NFF media manager Promise Efoghe said to the BBC that “no Libyan FA official has come to give reasons or provide any clarification” on the decision to divert the plane.
“The Libyans made no effort to help,” he said. “When the NFF tried to make alternative arrangement, we were locked inside the airport. It’s like we are in a prison at the airport.”
In response to Troost-Ekong’s claims, Libya’s football authorities said: “We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation.”
The incident came after Libya had alleged malfeasance during their visit to Uyo, Nigeria for the reverse fixture last Friday. Libyan officials claimed they were rerouted to Port Harcourt and also accused the Nigerians of not providing them a bus to cover the 130km journey to Uyo, leaving them stranded for hours. The NFF denied these allegations.
SUPER EAGLES STRANDED IN LIBYA 🇱🇾
Captain Williams Troost-Ekong releases pictures of the Super Eagles and how they slept during the night.
Shameful and sad 😢 #54footballx pic.twitter.com/uQLjeFrXJq
— Official54fx (@54footballx) October 14, 2024
Striker Victor Osimhen, who was not with the squad as he is not involved in the games during the October international break, said via Instagram: “I am disappointed by the unfair treatment my brothers and coaches are facing at the Libya airport last night.
“Actions like this go against the spirit of sportsmanship. My support is with my team and I know they’ll stay strong despite these obstacles.
“I call on CAF and other football bodies to intervene, as my teammates and officials are still stranded at the airport in Libya. This is uncalled for and inhumane. We stand together, together than ever.”
Nigeria are top of their Group D qualifier table, and a win against Libya would confirm their place at the tournament if the game does go ahead.
