Super Eagles risk AFCON 2025 exit after 12-hour ordeal at Libyan Airport
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are in danger of missing out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco after enduring a 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya.
Their journey for a crucial AFCON qualifier against Libya was thrown into disarray when their flight was unexpectedly diverted from Benghazi to Al Abraq, a smaller airport used mainly for religious pilgrimages. Upon landing, the Nigerian team was stranded without food, transportation, or proper facilities, with no help from the Libyan Football Federation.
Players and officials expressed frustration over the treatment, describing the situation as chaotic. “We’ve been stuck at the airport for over 12 hours with no rest or food,” the NFF said in a statement. “The players are exhausted, and this experience has been extremely frustrating.”
Nigeria Plans to Withdraw from the Match
In response to the poor conditions, Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong announced that the team had decided not to play the match. “We’ve been treated unfairly and cannot continue under these conditions,” Ekong said on social media. His teammates, including Victor Boniface and Bright Osayi-Samuel, also criticized the ordeal, calling it unacceptable.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has backed the players, stating that plans are being made to bring the team back home, effectively withdrawing from the match scheduled for Tuesday, October 15.
Withdrawal Could Cost Nigeria AFCON Spot
Nigeria’s withdrawal from the match could have serious consequences for their AFCON qualification hopes. According to CAF regulations, any team that refuses to play without a valid reason could be docked three points and three goals. In extreme cases, teams may be disqualified from the tournament altogether.
With Nigeria currently topping Group D with seven points, their withdrawal would give an opportunity to Benin Republic and Rwanda to overtake them. If Benin wins their next game, they would move to nine points, while Rwanda could stay in contention with a win that would take them to five points.
Nigeria’s AFCON Hopes in Jeopardy
The Super Eagles’ path to the 2025 AFCON has become much more complicated due to the crisis in Libya. If CAF enforces penalties for Nigeria’s withdrawal, the team will face a difficult battle to qualify for the tournament in Morocco next year.
What started as a routine qualifier has now turned into a nightmare, with Nigeria’s AFCON dreams hanging in the balance. The team will now wait for CAF’s decision on their withdrawal and the consequences it may bring.
