NFF withdraws Super Eagles from AFCON qualifiers after 12-hour setback in Libya

Credit: Super Eagles/Instagram

After a painful 12-hour delay that left the Super Eagles stranded at Libya’s Al-Abraq International Airport, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially confirmed its withdrawal from the upcoming Africa Cup qualifier of Nations (AFCON) against Libya, initially scheduled for Tuesday.

The team had been cleared to land in Benghazi, but was unexpectedly redirected, facing locked gates, with no access to food, water or communications. This has prompted the NFF to prioritize player welfare and safety.

A video released by the team’s media department shows players stranded with their luggage in the airport waiting area, highlighting the indifference of Libyan airport officials.

Team Captain William Troost-Ekong posted on The Libyan government canceled our landing permit in Benghazi without reason. They locked the airport gates and left us without a phone, food or drink. All this to play mind games. He also shared photos of the stranded team members.

Many Nigerians have expressed concern on social media over the team’s well-being, calling on relevant authorities to intervene and ensure the safety of the players.

After consultation with the team’s doctors and coaching staff, the NFF decided to withdraw from qualifying due to concerns over player health and safety. WilliamTroost-Ekong revealed that the decision was a collective decision taken by both the players and officials, who felt it was best not to proceed under the circumstances.

After consultation with the team’s doctors and coaching staff, the NFF decided to withdraw from qualifying due to concerns over player health and safety. The NFF further noted that the players had collectively decided not to play the match.

Nigerian Minister of Sports John Enoh condemned the treatment of the team and confirmed that the matter had been brought to the appropriate authorities.

“For now, our main concern is the safety of our national team members. With the events of the last hours, their safety is not guaranteed and the team insists that they cannot play the match, not only because of the trauma and psychological torture that results from it, but also because fear for his safety. As Minister of Sports, I have instructed the President of the NFF to lodge a formal complaint with CAF without prejudice to actions already taken. This needs to be recorded and carefully handled,” he said.

The Super Eagles were due to face Libya Mediterranean Knights at the Benina Martyrs Stadium, but their unexpected detour and mistreatment led to an abrupt end to their trip. The NFF has now arranged for the team to return to Nigeria, marking the conclusion of their trip to Libya.