Football fans in Nigeria are on edge as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is set to announce its decision today on the contentious 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between Nigeria and Libya.
The match, part of Group D, was marred by controversy after the Nigerian team experienced what has been described as inhumane treatment upon their arrival in Libya for the second leg against the Mediterranean Knights last Sunday.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) lodged an official complaint with CAF following an incident where the Super Eagles were reportedly left stranded at the airport without support.
A video shared by the Eagles’ media team captured the players and officials surrounded by their luggage, apparently ignored by Libyan airport staff who were conversing in Arabic.
The logistical nightmare began when the Nigerian team’s flight was unexpectedly diverted to Al Abraq International Airport—over 200 kilometers from their intended destination in Benina, where the match was scheduled at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium.
The airport, typically used for hajj operations, lacked essential amenities, contributing to the exhaustion and frustration of the players and officials.
The absence of a welcoming team and the unavailability of arranged transportation compounded the difficulties, forcing the NFF to seek alternative travel arrangements.
The situation escalated when the Nigerian delegation was confined at the airport for more than 20 hours without access to food, water, or outside communication, leading to their decision to boycott the match.
The Libyan Football Federation responded to the complaints by alleging non-cooperation from the Nigerian side during both legs of the qualifiers, suggesting that the treatment received by the Libyan team in Nigeria was comparably challenging.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe addressed the issue during a press conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, stating that a thorough investigation was underway.
The football community, both in Nigeria and across Africa, is anxiously awaiting the outcome of CAF’s deliberations, which could have significant implications for the standings in Group D and the broader dynamics of the tournament qualifications.