The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released an official statement following the recent ordeal involving the Nigerian Super Eagles at the Al Abaq Airport in Libya, which led to the postponement of their scheduled second-leg clash in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.

The Nigerian team, who were set to face Libya after a 1-0 victory in Uyo during the first leg, were stranded for over 16 hours after their flight was diverted to Al Abaq. The players were left unattended at the airport, resulting in frustration and health concerns ahead of the crucial match.

As a result, the Super Eagles made a U-turn and returned to Nigeria, raising serious questions about the logistics and organization of the game. The situation has sparked reactions from African football legends, including Emmanuel Adebayor and Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, who expressed their disappointment at the handling of the Nigerian contingent.

CAF, in its statement, condemned the situation and revealed that an investigation into the incident is currently underway. The disciplinary board is tasked with determining whether any regulations were violated, and sanctions are expected based on their findings.

Key Points From CAF’s Statement:

1. CAF’s involvement: The governing body is actively engaged in resolving the situation.

2. Communication with authorities: CAF confirmed it has been in direct contact with both Libyan and Nigerian authorities regarding the incident.

3. Super Eagles stranded: CAF expressed concern over the treatment of the Super Eagles players during their time at the airport.

4. Flight diversion: It was acknowledged that the Nigerian team’s flight was diverted to Al Abaq, contributing to the disruption.

5. Disciplinary investigation: The CAF disciplinary board is investigating the issue to ensure accountability.

6. Potential sanctions: CAF hinted that appropriate actions will be taken in line with its statutes and regulations once the investigation concludes.

Libya vs Nigeria Second Leg Postponed: what next?

With the game now postponed, CAF is expected to announce a new date for the second-leg encounter, while fans and stakeholders await the outcome of the investigation.

The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has reacted to the poor treatment meted out to the Super Eagles by authorities in the country.

The LFF claimed it had no hand in the barbaric act.

“We are deeply concerned about the recent reports surrounding the diversion of the Nigerian national team’s flight ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Libya,”the LFA said in a statement on Monday.

While we regret any inconvenience caused, it is essential to note that such incidents can occur due to routine air traffic control protocols, security checks, or logistical challenges that affect international air travel.

“These are standard procedures at airports worldwide, and delays or rerouting, though unfortunate, are not uncommon.

“We have the utmost respect for our Nigerian counterparts and want to reassure them that the diversion of their flight was not intentional.

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 and principles.

“We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation.

“It is important to highlight that just last week, our own national team faced significant challenges upon our arrival in Nigeria for the third match of the Africa Cup of Nations qualification.”

Sundry media reports had said that players and officials of the Super Eagles were held hostage at the Al Abaq Airport for several hours following the team’s arrival in the country on Sunday night.

By Francesca Hangeior

The Nigeria Football Federation has decided to pull the Super Eagles out of Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.

This follows a frustrating 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya, where the team has been stranded since their arrival on Sunday afternoon.

The Nigerian delegation was en route to Benghazi for the crucial qualifier when their chartered aircraft was dangerously diverted mid-flight to Al Abraq, a small airport typically reserved for hajj operations.

The unexpected diversion left players and officials stranded without any assistance from the Libyan Football Federation, which failed to provide transportation.

In a statement on Monday, the NFF detailed the chaotic situation, explaining that the team remained at the airport for over 12 hours, unable to reach their hotel in Benghazi, which is three hours away.

“The Nigerian delegation for Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya is still at Al Abraq Airport, 12 hours after landing.

The chartered ValueJet aircraft was, strangely and in a dangerous manner, diverted to the small airport just as the pilot was completing his approach to Benghazi Airport,” the NFF stated.

The NFF further noted that the fatigued and frustrated players have now resolved not to play the match.

The NFF, supporting the players’ decision, is currently arranging for the team to fly back to Nigeria, effectively pulling them out of the fixture.

“Players have resolved not to play the match any longer, and NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home,” the statement concluded.

Reacting to the situation, Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong condemned the treatment by the Libyan authorities.