October 14, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian national football team, Super Eagles, have announced their intention to boycott the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON), second leg qualifier against Libya. This decision comes in response to alleged mistreatment by Libyan authorities upon the team’s arrival in the country.
Captain William Troost-Ekong shared details of the incident on social media platform X. He reported that the team’s aircraft was diverted whilst descending, leading to a 12-hour ordeal at an inadequate airport facility. The players were reportedly left without phone connection, food, or drink.
The situation escalated when the Libyan government reportedly rescinded the previously approved landing permission in Benghazi without explanation. Troost-Ekong described the experience as “disgraceful behaviour” and stated that the team collectively decided not to participate in the scheduled match.
According to the Super Eagles media officer, Promise Efoghe, the team’s chartered aircraft was redirected to a location more than two hours away from the original destination. This diversion occurred despite the team’s departure from Nigeria earlier on Sunday morning for the North African country.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to review the incident. The Nigerian government has been called upon to intervene and assist the team. This situation follows a previous match where Libya lost 1-0 to Nigeria in the first leg of the 2025 AFCON qualifier, with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scoring the decisive goal.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
