The Super Eagles of Nigeria have announced that they will not play their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya, originally scheduled for Tuesday, October 15, citing safety and logistical concerns.
Captain William Troost-Ekong disclosed the team’s decision in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), revealing that the Nigerian squad, including players and coaching staff, has been stranded at Al Abraq Airport in Libya for over 15 hours.
Troost-Ekong expressed frustration over the treatment they received from the Libyan authorities, accusing them of deliberate negligence. He called on the Nigerian government to intervene urgently to ensure the team’s safe return.
“At this point, we have called for our Nigerian Government to intervene and rescue us. As the captain, together with the team, we have decided that we will NOT play this game,” he stated.
The defender stressed that the team’s safety is non-negotiable and criticized the Libyan authorities for failing to ensure a proper welcome.
He added that the Super Eagles would not accept travel by road or compromise on other conditions.
“We will not accept to travel anywhere by road here—even with security—it’s not safe. We can only imagine what the hotel or food would be like if we continued,” Troost-Ekong wrote.
The captain also called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to take note of the situation, stressing that the treatment they received was unacceptable for an international fixture.
“CAF should look at the report and what is happening here. Even if they decide to allow this kind of behaviour, let them have the points. We respect ourselves and our opponents when they are our guests in Nigeria,” he added.