Nigeria Withdraws from AFCON Qualifier Against Lib...

Nigeria Withdraws from AFCON Qualifier Against Libya After 16-Hour Airport Stranding

Zim Now Writer

Nigeria has withdrawn from their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya and was preparing to return home on Monday, according to their captain, following a protest over being diverted and abandoned at an airport far from the match location for several hours.

The Super Eagles were scheduled to face Libya on Tuesday in Benghazi, aiming to secure a spot in the finals set to be held in Morocco next year. However, after being stranded for more than 16 hours at an airport 250 kilometers (155 miles) from Benghazi, the Nigerian players decided not to play the match.

“As captain, along with the team, we have decided not to play this game,” William Troost-Ekong posted on X (formerly Twitter). “We are currently waiting for our plane to be refueled, and we should be heading back to Nigeria shortly.”

The Nigeria Football Federation explained that the team’s chartered flight had been on its way to Benghazi when it was unexpectedly diverted to Al Abraq International Airport, with no alternative transport provided.

The Libyan Football Federation responded by stating that the diversion was unintentional and called for understanding, adding that their players had also faced travel challenges when they were in Nigeria last week. They emphasized that the incident was not due to sabotage or foul play, but rather routine air traffic protocols, security measures, or logistical issues.

Nigerian striker Victor Boniface expressed frustration on social media, sharing that the team had been stuck at the airport for nearly 13 hours without food, WiFi, or a place to sleep. "Africa, we can do better," he commented on X.

The next steps regarding the points for the match remain uncertain, and the Confederation of African Football’s disciplinary board will assess the situation. CAF released a statement indicating that they were in communication with both Nigerian and Libyan authorities and would take appropriate measures against any rule violations.

Nigeria had previously defeated Libya 1-0 in their first meeting in Uyo on Friday, with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scoring a late goal. This victory placed Nigeria at the top of their group with seven points from three matches, followed by Benin with six points, Rwanda with two, and Libya with one.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the 24-team finals.