Why Nigeria are set to boycott Africa Cup of Nations qualifier
Nigeria's players were left stranded at an airport for over 12 hours.
Nigeria have confirmed a boycott of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya scheduled for Tuesday.
This decision comes after the players and staff were stranded at an airport for over 12 hours.
The Super Eagles flew out to Libya on Sunday night but were diverted to Al Abraq Airport instead of their intended destination, Benghazi Airport.
Al Abraq is located over 200 kilometers away – approximately a three-and-a-half-hour journey from their accommodations.
In a statement, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) reported that the team remained stuck at Al Abraq Airport throughout the night, with some players claiming they were left without food and water.
With the match in Benghazi set for Tuesday night, the Super Eagles have now decided to make arrangements to return home rather than participate in the fixture.
“The delegation of Nigeria to Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya still remained at the Al Abraq Airport 12 hours after landing in Libya,” the statement read.
“The chartered ValueJet aircraft was, strangely and in a dangerous manner, diverted to the small airport away from Benghazi just as the pilot was completing his approach to the Benghazi Airport.
“We understand the Al Abraq International Airport is only used for hajj operations.
“Fatigued players and officials have remained nonplussed as the host Libyan Football Federation failed to send any reception team or even vehicles to take the delegation members from the airport to their hotel, said to be 3 hours away in Benghazi.
“The NFF made arrangements for separate vehicles for the team but the plan was unhinged by the diversion of the aircraft.
“Players have resolved not to play the match any longer as NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home.”
Nigeria defender William Troost-Ekong posted on X: “12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Lybia after our plane was diverted whilst descending.
“Lybian government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason.
“They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without phone connection, food or drink. All to play mind games.
“I’ve experienced stuff before playing away in Africa but this is disgraceful behaviour. Even the Tunisian Pilot who thankfully managed to navigate the last-minute change to an airport not fit for our plane to land had never seen something like this before.
“Upon arrival he tried to find a nearby airport to rest with his crew to be denied at every hotel again under Government instruction. He could sleep there but NO NIGERIAN crew members allowed. They have returned to now sleep on the plane which is parked up.
“At this point we have called for our Nigerian Government to intervene and rescue us. As the captain together with the team we have decided that we will NOT play this game. CAF should look at the report and what is happening here.
“Even if they decide to allow this kind of behaviour, let them have the points. We will not accept to travel anywhere by road here even with security it’s not safe. We can only imagine what the hotel or food would be like given to us IF we continued.
“We respect ourselves and respect our opponents when they are our guests in Nigeria. Mistakes happen but these things on purpose have nothing to do with [international] football.”
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