AFCON qualifiers: Super Eagles players resolve to boycott Libya game

Super Eagles players have resolved to boycott Tuesday’s AFCON second leg qualifier against Libya.

This was confirmed by Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong on X.

The decision was taken following the maltreatment players and officials of the Eagles were subjected to by Libyan authorities.

“12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Libya after our plane was diverted whilst descending,” Troost-Ekong wrote on X. “Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason. They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without phone connection, food or drink. All to play mind games.

“I’ve experienced stuff before playing away in Africa but this is disgraceful behaviour. Even the Tunisian Pilot who thankfully managed to navigate the last minute change to an airport not fit for our plane to land had never seen something like this before.

“Upon arrival he tried to find a nearby airport to rest with his crew to be denied at every hotel again under Government instruction. He could sleep there but NO NIGERIAN crew members allowed. They have returned to now sleep on the plane which is parked up.

“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. 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.”

Troost-Ekong said they will not accept to travel anywhere by road even with security it’s not safe, that they can only imagine what the hotel or food would be like.

READ ALSO: Super Eagles still stuck at Al Abraq Airport 12 hours after landing in Libya

“We respect ourselves and respect our opponents when they are our guests in Nigeria. Mistakes happen but these things on purpose have nothing to do with int. football.”

The second leg of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers is scheduled for Tuesday, October 15 in Benghazi.

In the first leg the Eagles won 1-0 thanks to a late Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s goal.