Nigeria Boycotts AFCON 2025 Qualifier in Libya Over ‘Inhumane Treatment’

Nigeria's national football team has decided to withdraw from their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Libya due to what they described as "inhumane treatment" experienced during their stay in the host nation. Team captain William Troost-Ekong revealed that the squad was left stranded at an abandoned airport in Libya for over 17 hours without food or water.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced that the team would be flown back to Nigeria without playing the match, which was scheduled for Tuesday. Troost-Ekong confirmed the team's decision not to play, stating on social media, "The players have resolved not to play the match any longer... Let them have the points," suggesting they were willing to accept a forfeit if the Confederation of African Football (CAF) deemed it necessary.

The Super Eagles landed at Al Abraq International Airport on Sunday night and were supposed to travel by road to the match venue in Benina, located south of Tripoli. However, Troost-Ekong reported that their aircraft was diverted while descending, allegedly because the Libyan government rescinded the previously approved landing for "no reason." He shared photos of his teammates attempting to rest on airport lounge seats, emphasizing their dire situation: "They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without phone connection, food or drink – all to play mind games."

In response to the incident, the NFF has formally lodged a complaint with CAF regarding the circumstances. However, the Nigerian embassy in Libya reportedly lacks the authority to intervene without the Libyan government's permission.

Former African footballer of the year, Victor Ikpeba, who was traveling with the team, called for stringent sanctions against Libya and supported the decision to boycott the match. He expressed disbelief at the conditions the team faced, stating, “If CAF know their job, Libya ought to be banned from international football. This is a high-risk country, and one really wonders who approved for Libya to be playing their games at home.”

Ikpeba also highlighted the safety concerns for the team, noting, “The team are not safe. Those of us traveling with them are also not safe. We were locked up in an abandoned airport for more than 10 hours like hostages.”

Prior to this incident, Nigeria had achieved a 1-0 victory over Libya at home in Uyo, leading Group D with seven points from three matches, while Libya remained at the bottom of the standings with just one point.