Super Eagles resolve to boycott Libya clash after being detained at airport

Nigeria’s Super Eagles players have decided to boycott their second leg encounter against Libya billed to take place on Tuesday.

Both teams played the first leg of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier in Uyo last weekend, and victorious Nigeria travelled to Libya for the second leg on Sunday.

But the Eagles were left stranded at the airport, being detained for several hours.

In a post on X, the team captain, William Troost-Ekong, disclosed that a decision has been reached by the team, to not take part in the scheduled game.

He wrote: “12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Libya after our plane was diverted whilst descending. Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason.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.

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“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.”

Nigeria defeated Libya 1-0 last Friday, and are currently top of Group D in the qualifying series of the next year’s tournament.

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