The Nigerian men’s soccer team, known as the Super Eagles, has returned home after a harrowing experience stranded at a remote airport in Libya for over 15 hours. Scheduled to face Libya in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier in Benghazi, the team has opted to boycott the match due to the distressing circumstances surrounding their travel.

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) reported that the team’s-chartered flight was unexpectedly diverted to Al Abraq airport, located more than 200 kilometers from their intended destination in Benghazi. The NFF expressed frustration over the lack of support from the Libyan Football Federation (LFF), stating that no reception team was present to assist the players upon arrival. As a result, players and officials were left without transportation to their hotel, which is three hours away from the airport.
In response to the backlash, the LFF emphasized their respect for Nigeria and denied any allegations of intentional wrongdoing regarding the flight diversion. They asserted that the incident was unintentional and expressed hope for a resolution. This follows a previous statement from the NFF that rejected claims of poor treatment made by Libya’s captain, Faisal Al-Badri, asserting that the LFF was responsible for any confusion.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has acknowledged the situation, stating that it is in communication with both teams. CAF confirmed that the Super Eagles were stranded under distressing conditions, reportedly due to instructions from Libyan authorities to land at the less-equipped Al Abraq airport. The matter has been referred to CAF’s Disciplinary Board for investigation.

Team captain William Troost-Ekong voiced his frustration on social media, describing the incident as “disgraceful.” He highlighted the lack of food, water, and communication during their ordeal and criticized the Libyan government for rescinding their landing approval without explanation. “We can only imagine the conditions we would face if we continued,” he noted, underscoring the importance of maintaining dignity and respect in international competitions.
As of now, it remains uncertain what consequences the boycott will have on the match. The Super Eagles previously defeated Libya 1-0 in their last encounter in Nigeria and currently lead Group D with seven points, while Libya languishes at the bottom with just one point. The NFF’s decision to boycott the qualifier adds a layer of tension to the already complicated dynamics between the teams, raising significant questions about the future of their rivalry on the field.