The Super Eagles have decided not to play their scheduled 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya after being stranded for over 12 hours at Al Abraq Airport in Libya.
This decision was confirmed in a statement from team captain William Troost-Ekong, who described the conditions they’ve endured since their arrival.
“12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Libya after our plane was diverted whilst descending. The Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason.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,” Troost-Ekong said.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had earlier revealed that the Super Eagles’ chartered ValueJet flight was unexpectedly diverted to Al Abraq Airport, a small airport used primarily for hajj operations, just as the plane was nearing Benghazi. Fatigued players and officials were left stranded, with no reception or transportation provided by the Libyan Football Federation.
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“I’ve experienced stuff before playing away in Africa but this is disgraceful behaviour,” Troost-Ekong added. “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 this before.”
According to Troost-Ekong, the pilot attempted to find nearby accommodations but was denied access by local hotels, reportedly under government instructions.
“Upon arrival, he tried to find a nearby airport to rest with his crew, but was 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.”
As the situation worsened, the Super Eagles decided that they would not go ahead with the match, prepared to forfeit the three points.
“At this point, we have called for our Nigerian government to intervene and rescue us,” Troost-Ekong stated. “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.”
The captain emphasized that the players no longer felt safe, expressing concerns about traveling by road or even the quality of accommodations and food should they continue with the game.
“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.”
Troost-Ekong also called for better treatment in international football, comparing their hospitality in Nigeria to the treatment they’ve received in Libya.
“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 international football.”
The Super Eagles’ decision to withdraw comes after their 1-0 victory over Libya in the first leg of their AFCON qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. This withdrawal could result in consequences from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), but as Troost-Ekong made clear, “let them have the points.”
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