The Super Eagles players have returned to Nigeria after pulling out of the return leg of the double header 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Libya following the hostile treatment and inhumane conditions the team was subjected to at the Al Abaq airport.
The team’s delegation remained stranded at Al Abaq Airport since Sunday for over 12 hours after landing in Libya.
The team arrived in Kano on Monday evening which captain William Troost-Ekong took to his official X account to confirm.
“BACK HOME, SAFE & SOUND. Proud of this team, NAIJA SPIRIT can’t be broken”, Troost-Ekong wrote.
“Throw at us what you want, it’s in our blood to overcome. I’ve seen a lot in my 10 years with this group, but nothing like this, an experience that has brought us even closer TOGETHER.”
The Confederation of African Football (CAF), meanwhile, has referred Libya’s treatment of the Super Eagles to its disciplinary board.
CAF made this known on Monday afternoon in a statement on its official X account and website.
“CAF views the disturbing and unacceptable experiences of the Nigerian national football team at an airport in Libya in a very serious light”, the African football governing body started.
“CAF has been in contact with the Libyan and Nigerian authorities after it had been informed that the Super Eagles and their technical team were stranded in disturbing conditions for several hours at an airport that they were allegedly instructed to land by the Libyan authorities”, it continued.
“The matter has been referred to the CAF disciplinary board for investigation and appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the CAF Statutes and Regulations.”
The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) had denied the allegation of foul play or sabotage against the Super Eagles.
“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 statement read.
“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.”
The LFF said there are no grounds to accuse it or the Libyan security teams of deliberately orchestrating the incident because such actions are inconsistent with their 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,” the LFF added.
“Despite the difficulties we encountered, we did not make public accusations nor question the integrity of the Nigerian authorities.”
It said football in its essence unites nations and it is committed to upholding the spirit of fairness and mutual respect both on and off the field.
The LFF said in Libya, they pride themselves on their hospitality and their welcoming nature.
The Libyan football governing body said they strive to ensure that all teams feel safe and respected as visitors, and also hoped this debacle can be resolved with understanding and goodwill.
“Our doors are open to our Nigerian brothers and all African teams and we continue to promote the spirit of unity, sportsmanship and friendship in the world of football”, LFF concluded.
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