Super Eagles’ ordeal in Libya

THE Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), on Monday, October 14, pulled the Super Eagles out of the return leg of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations’ (AFCON) qualifying match against Libya following the sudden and ‘forceful’ diversion of the plane that was conveying the Nigerian delegation to Al-Abraq Airport instead of Benghazi, where it was originally headed. This forced diversion resulted in the Nigerian team being held at the airport for nearly 20 hours without adequate food or water, leading to a tense standoff. The NFF withdrew the Super Eagles from the fixture to ensure their safety and that of the official delegation.

Before pulling the team from the match, however, the NFF lodged a protest with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the organisation that governs football across the continent, seeking redress. In response, CAF condemned the treatment of the Nigerian delegation as both grossly inappropriate and entirely unacceptable. It further mandated both Nigeria and Libya to submit detailed documentation by October 20, explaining the incidents that resulted in the cancellation of the October 15 AFCON qualifier. The NFF  subsequently announced that it had officially submitted all necessary documentation to the CAF Disciplinary Committee as it sought to address its grievances against the Libya Football Federation.

In a series of poignant tweets shared last Monday morning, the Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, articulated his deep disappointment with the unfair treatment directed towards the Nigerian team. He vividly described the harrowing experience of being stranded at an abandoned airport in Libya where the players found themselves without food, water, or any means of communication. The situation was further complicated by the fact that they were denied entry into hotels due to “instructions from the Libyan authorities,” leaving them in a precarious and uncomfortable situation. Troost-Ekong called on CAF to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, stating: “Our plane was diverted while descending. The Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi without providing any reason. They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without phone connection, food, or drink, all to play mind games.”

He underscored the fact that the circumstances created by Libya posed serious risks to the players’ well-being for the sake of merely securing three points in the qualifying series. Reflecting on the broader implications of this incident, Troost-Ekong highlighted the historical mistreatment that West African teams had often faced in North African countries. He cited a pattern of issues, including delayed landings, diverted flights, and various forms of harassment. In his account, he noted that the Eagles endured harassment and were kept stranded by Libyan authorities for an alarming 20 hours at Al-Abraq Airport, a situation he described as both frightening and shameful. Other members of the team documented the horrific experience in Libya.

This situation could have been avoided if CAF had taken action in the past to address such nasty behaviour. While acknowledging their efforts to keep the Eagles safe, we urge the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), the Minister of Sports and the head of the Nigeria in Diaspora Commission to remain resolute on this matter. It is high time Nigeria reassessed its so-called “Africa as the centerpiece of Nigeria’s foreign policy.” We believe that Nigeria should prioritise its own interests. Despite Nigeria’s efforts to treat other nations with respect, the country often receives poor treatment in return.

As this situation continues to unfold, the call for accountability and reform in the treatment of Nigerian teams resonates more than ever. The Super Eagles’ experience serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that can arise in the world of sports, and the urgent need for systemic changes within African football governance. We, however, believe Nigeria should not go it alone in addressing this issue in the long term.  There is a need for a unified response to ensure that incidents of this nature do not recur, highlighting the importance of establishing fair practices and protection for all teams participating in international and continental competitions. Promoting regional solidarity among African nations is crucial in fostering a supportive environment for football teams and ensuring equitable treatment across the continent. The recent incident involving the Super Eagles underscores the importance of collective action in strengthening the national team’s standing within the larger framework of African football.

In addition to imposing penalties on those found culpable by the disciplinary committee, CAF should leverage data and documented experiences from various teams to create a detailed understanding of the challenges encountered in different contexts. This information can serve as a powerful tool in advocacy efforts, helping to ensure that specific issues are addressed effectively and that accountability is upheld. African nations can benefit from shared training programmes and resources, including coaching staff, training facilities, and medical support. By pooling resources, these countries can enhance the quality of their teams, making them more competitive on the global stage. This collaborative approach will not only improve football standards but also build camaraderie among the nations, fostering a sense of shared purpose and solidarity.

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