Nigeria’s Super Eagles Boycott AFCON 2025 Qualifier in Libya Over Alleged Maltreatment
The Nigerian Super Eagles players pose for a team photo before the match.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have decided to boycott their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya following a travel ordeal. Their plane, which was supposed to land in Benghazi on Sunday, was diverted to Al Abraq, 230km away from their intended destination, leaving the players stranded overnight at the airport. The captain, William Troost-Ekong, announced the team’s refusal to play, citing safety concerns and the psychological toll of being locked inside the airport without food or adequate sleeping arrangements. The Libyan Football Federation denied accusations of foul play and attributed the issue to logistical challenges. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s minister of sports, John Owan Enoh, stated that he had directed the NFF to file a formal complaint with CAF regarding the team’s treatment. He revealed he had held talks with CAF’s president and secretary general, and demanded consequences for Libya’s actions.
SOURCE: BBC