BREAKING: Nigeria’s Super Eagles pull out of AFCON qualifier against Libya over safety concerns

October 14, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, has withdrawn from their African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Libya, citing threats to their lives and hostilities from the host country.

In an Instagram post on Monday morning, team captain William Troost-Ekong announced the players’ decision, stating that the threats and hostile environment since their arrival on Sunday evening necessitated their withdrawal.

The Super Eagles were scheduled to face Libya on Tuesday in a crucial AFCON qualifying match.

However, concerns for their safety and well-being have forced the team to prioritize their security.

“We cannot continue with the match under these conditions,” Troost-Ekong said. “The safety of the players is paramount, and we cannot compromise on that.”

He said, “We have kept our spirit up but these are no conditions we will accept when done on purpose. Travelling by road is not safe here and you can only imagine how they would treat us in the hotel or the food they will try to give us. It was funny before but as a team we respect ourselves and under these conditions we won’t play. @caf_online.”

The statement reads: “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.

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

“Even our pilot who is Tunisian who wasn’t locked in like a hostage came back hours later. He was told in every nearby hotel they would only accept him and none of the Nigerian air crew members. Are we still talking about international football?” Troost-Ekong added.

This development raises concerns about the security situation in Libya and the ability of the country to host international football matches.