Nigeria boycotts Afcon qualifier after 12-hour airport ordeal in Libya

Nigeria will not play their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Libya after being stranded at Al Abraq Airport for more than 12 hours, the West African country’s football federation announced.

The players were left without basic amenities after their chartered flight was unexpectedly diverted to a smaller airport instead of landing at Benghazi, the original destination.

According to reports, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has alleged that the diversion to Al Abraq Airport, approximately two hours from Benghazi, was done without prior notice. The team arrived at the airport only to find no transportation or reception awaiting them. The players were forced to endure the conditions in a locked airport without food, water, or even Wi-Fi access.

In a statement, the NFF expressed frustration with the situation and the treatment received from Libyan authorities, stating, “Super Eagles still at Al Abraq Airport 12 hours after landing in Libya! The chartered ValueJet aircraft was, strangely and in a dangerous manner, diverted to the small airport away from Benghazi just as the pilot was completing his approach to the Benghazi Airport.”

The NFF further explained that the last-minute airport change thwarted attempts to arrange alternate transportation, adding to the team’s fatigue and frustration.

The players took to social media to share their ordeal, with Bayer Leverkusen star Victor Boniface posting, “Been at the airport for almost 13 hours, no food, no Wi-Fi, nowhere to sleep. African we can do better.”

Been at the airport for almost 13 hours no food no wifi no where to sleep
African we can do better @caf

— Victor Boniface (@boniface_jrn) October 14, 2024

Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong also criticised the treatment, describing it as “disgraceful” and accusing the Libyan authorities of engaging in mind games by locking the airport gates and denying basic provisions.

12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Lybia after our plane was diverted whilst descending. Lybian government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason.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.

— William Troost-Ekong (M.O.N) (@WTroostEkong) October 14, 2024

The Super Eagles have resolved to boycott the match, stating they would not play under such conditions.

The NFF began making arrangements to fly the team back home, effectively ending any hope of the game proceeding as scheduled.

The situation has prompted widespread calls for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to intervene.