Afcon 2025: Libya criticises Nigeria for boycotting qualifier in Benghazi

The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has criticised its Nigerian counterpart after its national side returned to West Africa ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifier in Benghazi.

The Super Eagles squad decided to boycott the match, scheduled to be played at 19:00 GMT on Tuesday, after being stranded at Al Abraq airport when their plane was diverted there on Sunday.

After being kept at the terminal building, in a location about 230km (143 miles) away from their intended destination, the Nigerian delegation flew back home and arrived in Kano on Monday afternoon.

However, Libya trained ahead of the game and appear set to turn up at the Martyrs Stadium in Benina to fulfil the fixture despite their opponents boycotting the qualifier.

A statement from the LFF said it “condemns” the steps taken by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) in refusing to play the game, and said it would take “all necessary legal measures” to preserve the interests of the Mediterranean Knights.

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong defended the squad’s decision to boycott the match on social media.

“Football is about respect, and that starts by respecting ourselves,” he said in a post on X.

“Our goal of doing the best for Nigerian football won’t ever change. I look forward to continue our journey to Afcon 2025 next month in the right way.”

A Confederation of African Football (Caf) disciplinary board is investigating the circumstances after Nigeria were “stranded in disturbing conditions”.

There are several possible outcomes, with the potential for Libya to be awarded a 3-0 victory or Caf ordering the match to be played at a later date.

Appeals to the Court of Arbitration for Sport are also possible, and Nigeria are set to lodge an official complaint with Caf.

The LFF had earlier complained about the treatment of their players and officials on arrival in Nigeria for a qualifier in Uyo last week, which saw their flight land hours away from the match venue and the players endure long travel delays.

Nigeria won that match 1-0 to move on to seven points at the top of Group D, with Libya bottom on one point and on the brink of elimination.