Nigeria’s football team has decided to boycott their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier in Libya due to alleged “inhumane treatment” and concerns over their safety.
The Super Eagles were stranded at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya for over 17 hours without food or drink, according to team captain William Troost-Ekong.
The players refused to proceed with the match after their stay at an abandoned airport, where they were left without proper care or security.
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“The players have resolved not to play the match,” NFF spokesperson Ademola Olajire said, confirming that arrangements are being made to fly the team back to Nigeria.
The team was supposed to travel by road to the match venue in Benina, but Troost-Ekong stated that the three-hour journey was too risky, citing concerns for the team’s safety.
In a series of social media posts, Troost-Ekong expressed frustration, sharing photos of his teammates sleeping on airport seats and detailing the poor conditions. “We will NOT play this game. Let them have the points,” he wrote, indicating that Nigeria may lose points if the Confederation of African Football (CAF) considers the match a forfeit.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has filed a formal complaint with CAF regarding the treatment of the team.
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Former Nigerian footballer Victor Ikpeba, who was with the team, called for sanctions against Libya, describing the situation as disgraceful and unsafe.
Nigeria currently leads their AFCON qualifying group, but this boycott could affect their standing as they risk losing the points for the match.
