The Nigeria national football team has opted to boycott their AFCON 2025 qualifier in Libya after being stranded for over 17 hours at an airport without food or drink. Captain William Troost-Ekong stated the players’ safety was at risk, and they have chosen not to participate in the match. The NFF is arranging for their return to Nigeria. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding the treatment of visiting teams in Libya.
The Nigeria national football team has decided to boycott their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifying match in Libya due to what they have described as “inhumane treatment.” Following their arrival at Al Abraq International Airport, the team, led by captain William Troost-Ekong, was stranded for over 17 hours without access to food or beverages. Troost-Ekong expressed the players’ dissatisfaction through social media, stating that the welfare and safety of the team were compromised, which ultimately led to their decision not to participate in the match. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that they are arranging for the players to return to Nigeria without playing, amidst reports of a diversion of their flight and lack of communication and support from the Libyan authorities. Troost-Ekong stated, “As the team captain together with the team we have decided that we will NOT play this game,” reflecting the consensus among players that they will not undertake a lengthy bus ride to the match venue due to safety concerns. Additionally, NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire noted that the players are prioritizing their well-being over potential point losses from forfeiture of the match. The Nigerian embassy in Libya has been unable to intervene effectively, citing the need for permission from local authorities. Former African footballer Victor Ikpeba called for strong sanctions against Libya, alleging that the country is unfit for hosting international matches due to safety issues. He remarked on the team’s predicament, which he described as being treated like “hostages”. This series of events follows a victory for Nigeria over Libya in a recent match, where they secured a 1-0 win. Currently, Nigeria leads Group D with seven points, while Libya sits at the bottom with a mere single point.
The incident involving the Nigeria national team in Libya brings attention to the heightened risks associated with international sports competitions in certain countries. The Africa Cup of Nations is a prestigious tournament that involves teams from various African nations, and safety concerns are paramount. This situation highlights the importance of ensuring proper arrangements and support for visiting teams, especially in regions experiencing political instability or safety challenges. The reaction from players and officials emphasizes the need for oversight and improvements in how host nations are evaluated by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The Nigeria national football team’s decision to boycott their AFCON 2025 qualifying match in Libya underscores significant concerns regarding player safety and the treatment of international teams. With reports of inadequate support and unsafe conditions, the NFF’s formal complaint to CAF may lead to necessary actions against Libya. The unity among players in prioritizing their safety sends a strong message about the standards expected within international football and the responsibilities of host nations. This episode may prompt CAF to re-evaluate how host nations are selected and monitored, especially in high-risk areas.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
