Nigerian football fans are on edge as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is set to deliver its decision regarding the controversial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between Nigeria and Libya
The Group D match has been clouded by controversy following reports of the Nigerian team facing harsh treatment upon their arrival in Libya for the second leg against the Mediterranean Knights last Sunday.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) filed an official complaint with CAF after the Super Eagles were allegedly left stranded at the airport without assistance. A video shared by the team’s media personnel showed players and staff surrounded by their luggage, seemingly ignored by Libyan airport staff who were speaking in Arabic.
The travel difficulties started when the Nigerian team’s flight was unexpectedly diverted to Al Abraq International Airport, located over 200 kilometers away from their destination in Benina, where the match was set to take place at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium.
Al Abraq Airport primarily used for hajj flights, lacked basic facilities, adding to the players’ frustration. The absence of a welcoming party and no pre-arranged transportation further compounded the ordeal, prompting the NFF to organize alternative travel plans.
The situation further escalated when the Nigerian delegation spent over 20 hours at the airport without food, water, or means of communication, eventually leading them to boycott the match.
In response, the Libyan Football Federation claimed that the Nigerian team was uncooperative during both legs of the qualifiers, alleging that the treatment their players recieved in Nigeria was similarly difficult.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe addressed the controversy during a press conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, confirming that a thorough investigation was underway.
With the football world, particularly in Nigeria and across Africa, eagerly awaiting the verdict, CAF’s decision could have major repercussions for Group D standings and the overall AFCON qualification process.
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