The Nigerian men’s football team, the Super Eagles, are set to withdraw from their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya after enduring a harrowing 12-hour ordeal at the wrong airport in Libya. The team, without food or water, was stranded at Al Abraq Airport, far from their intended destination, leading to player frustration and a decision to forgo the match. The situation, described as “disgraceful” by Nigerian defender William Troost-Ekong, has prompted both the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and the Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) to respond with promises of investigations.
Airport Drama: The Stranding of the Super Eagles
The Nigerian squad, traveling on Sunday ahead of their Tuesday match, landed at Al Abraq Airport, which is located more than 200 kilometers from their intended destination in Benghazi. The flight was reportedly diverted while preparing to land at Benghazi, leaving the team stranded for over 12 hours at the airport, which is typically only used for hajj operations.
In a statement, the NFF detailed the chaos, explaining that players and officials were left in the airport without basic provisions, sparking frustration among the squad. The NFF had planned for vehicles to transport the team, but these arrangements were derailed by the sudden flight diversion.
The players, expressing their dismay on social media, revealed that they had decided not to play the match. "Players have resolved not to play the match any longer as NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home," the NFF stated.
Reactions from CAF and the Libyan Federation
In response to the incident, CAF released a statement, acknowledging the gravity of the situation and announcing an investigation. CAF's Disciplinary Board will assess whether any regulations were violated, with the possibility of sanctions to follow. “Appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the CAF Statutes and Regulations,” CAF said.
The Libyan Football Federation (LFF), meanwhile, denied any foul play. The LFF stated that the diversion of the Nigerian team’s flight was unintentional, citing routine air traffic protocols and logistical challenges as the cause of the disruption. “We have the utmost respect for our Nigerian counterparts and want to reassure them that the diversion of their flight was not intentional,” the LFF said in a public statement.
Troost-Ekong’s Account of the Ordeal
One of the most vocal players, William Troost-Ekong, took to social media to share the team’s experience. “12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Libya after our plane was diverted whilst descending,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter). Troost-Ekong described the situation as “disgraceful,” adding that the team had no access to food, water, or phone communication during the ordeal.
Despite the efforts of the pilot, who navigated the diversion safely, the situation at the airport remained dire, with locked gates and no clear communication. Troost-Ekong’s frustration reflects the overall sentiment within the team, leading to their decision to abandon the match.
Similar Issues Faced by Libya in Nigeria
The incident follows complaints from the Libyan national team about similar travel issues during their trip to Nigeria the previous week. Libyan captain Faisal Al-Badri voiced his frustrations on social media after their flight was also redirected. The NFF, however, responded by explaining that they were unaware of Libya’s specific travel plans until the last minute, which caused disruptions.
NFF assistant director Emmanuel Ayanbunmi commented on the confusion surrounding Libya's arrival, stating that despite efforts to accommodate the Libyan team, logistical challenges led to additional delays.
Impact on Nigeria’s AFCON Campaign
Nigeria’s withdrawal from the match against Libya could have significant implications for their 2025 AFCON qualification campaign. The Super Eagles are currently top of Group D with seven points from three matches, and while their lead appears secure, forfeiting the match could affect their standing. Depending on the decision from CAF, Libya could be awarded the three points, which might complicate Nigeria’s qualification path. With upcoming fixtures against Benin and Rwanda, the team will need to quickly refocus to ensure they don’t lose momentum in the race for AFCON 2025.
Potential Sanctions and Repercussions
Beyond the immediate effects on the qualifier standings, Nigeria may also face potential disciplinary action from CAF. While the circumstances leading to the withdrawal were extraordinary, the final decision by the players to forgo the match could trigger sanctions. CAF’s investigation will likely consider whether the diversion and the treatment of the team at Al Abraq Airport justify their decision, or if alternative arrangements could have been made. Sanctions could range from fines to match suspensions, though Nigeria’s strong position in Group D could mitigate long-term consequences.
Broader Issues in African Football Logistics
This incident also shines a spotlight on a broader issue within African football: the logistical challenges teams face when traveling for international competitions. African football is no stranger to travel disruptions, with stories of teams arriving late, dealing with poor facilities, or facing chaotic transportation arrangements. These issues often detract from the focus on the game itself, leading to frustration for both players and officials. As CAF works to professionalize and modernize football across the continent, improving travel logistics and infrastructure must be a priority to ensure the smooth running of future tournaments and qualifiers.
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