Nigerian officials and Super Eagles condemn “despicable” treatment by Libyan authorities; calls for CAF and government intervention
Nigerian football officials and the Super Eagles have expressed outrage over the poor treatment of the team by Libyan authorities ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match. The players were stranded at a Libyan airport for over 13 hours without basic necessities. Key Nigerian figures, including Victor Osimhen and the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, have called for urgent intervention by CAF and the Nigerian government to address the situation.
The Super Eagles departed Nigeria on Sunday, October 13, 2024, for the return leg of their AFCON 2025 qualifier against Libya. However, upon arrival, their flight was diverted to a remote airport far from the match venue, forcing the team to endure an additional three-hour road journey under unsafe conditions. Once they reached the airport, the players, coaches, and staff were stranded for over 13 hours without access to food, water, or proper accommodation.
Efforts by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to secure alternative arrangements for the team were blocked, leading to widespread frustration. The NFF, alongside Nigerian authorities and international football bodies, began pushing for urgent intervention.
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen voiced his frustration through an Instagram post, describing the treatment as “inhumane” and “unfair.”
“I am disappointed by the unfair treatment my brothers and coaches are facing at the Libya airport last night. Actions like this go against the spirit of sportsmanship,” Osimhen said.
He went on to criticize the Libyan FA, accusing them of deliberately attempting to weaken the team’s morale. “This is no longer just a delay, it’s an intentional tactic to weaken and ruin the morale of the players. It’s beginning to look more like a hostage situation.”
Osimhen fully supported the team’s decision not to play unless the match is moved to a neutral ground, adding, “We are not criminals or prisoners. I call on CAF, the Nigerian Government, and other relevant authorities to act swiftly and ensure their safe return.”
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of NiDCOM, issued a formal statement through the commission’s Director of Media, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, expressing outrage at the treatment of the Super Eagles.
“This situation is despicable and violates international diplomatic protocols,” she said. “Traveling by road in Libya is most dangerous and inadvisable due to the war-torn state of the country. It is unacceptable that our team should endure this kind of treatment on the international stage.”
She emphasized the need for urgent intervention, particularly by CAF, to ensure the players’ safety. “We expect CAF to address this matter with the seriousness it deserves to prevent future occurrences.”
In response to the accusations, the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) issued a statement on their official Twitter page, denying any deliberate sabotage or ill-treatment of the Nigerian team.
“We are deeply concerned about the recent reports surrounding the diversion of the Nigerian national team’s flight… While we regret any inconvenience caused, such incidents can occur due to routine air traffic control protocols or logistical challenges that affect international air travel.”
The LFF firmly rejected claims of foul play, stating, “There are no grounds to accuse the Libyan security teams or the Libyan Football Federation of deliberately orchestrating this incident. Such actions are inconsistent with our values.”
They also referenced the difficulties their own national team had experienced in Nigeria for the third match of the AFCON qualifiers, highlighting their commitment to fair treatment. “We hope this misunderstanding can be resolved with goodwill. Our doors are open to our Nigerian brothers and all African teams.”
FIFA and CAF accredited journalist Adepoju Tobi provided real-time updates on social media, confirming that after mounting pressure, the Libyan government issued clearance for the Nigerian team to depart. However, there were attempts to route the flight to Benghazi, which the NFF refused.
“The NFF have insisted that the clearance from Al-Abraq airport must be for the team to fly directly to Nigeria,” Tobi reported.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe reportedly intervened, engaging Nigeria’s Minister of Sports to find a solution. However, the Minister maintained that Nigeria would not agree to play the match under the current conditions.
The incident involving the Super Eagles in Libya has drawn widespread condemnation, with calls for CAF and the Nigerian government to ensure the safety and dignity of African players in international competitions. While the team has now returned home, the situation serves as a reminder of the need for better coordination and protection for teams traveling in potentially unstable regions.
Dabiri-Erewa concluded, “Our players deserve better, and we will continue to push for their protection and dignity wherever they compete.”
Tobi later confirmed the team’s departure: “UPDATE: We are now boarding to Nigeria. The Internet has been hell, hopefully, further updates will drop.”
