The Super Eagles were holed up at Al Abraq Airport for a punishing period of time without food, drink or WiFi.

Nigeria have decided not to honour Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers Group D match against Libya in Benghazi.

This follows the almost 15 hours spent by the Super Eagles stranded at Al Abraq International Airport which was an “abandoned” facility, according to team captain William Troost-Ekong.

The West Africans’ plane is said to have been diverted from Benghazi when they were descending and ended up landing at Al Abraq from where they were pencilled to travel to Benghazi by road.

Fearing for their security as well as health concerns after allegedly spending close to 15 hours without food and drink, Troost-Ekong and his teammates have decided not to fulfil Tuesday’s match.

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  WHAT TROOST-EKONG & BONIFACE SAID

  “More than 12 hours in an abandoned airport in Lybia after our plane was diverted whilst descending,” Troost-Ekong wrote on social media.

  “Lybian government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason.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,” he added.

  “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 Nigeria crew members were 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,” the Netherlands-born defender continued.

  “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 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 given to us if we continued.”

  Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface also had his say.

  “Been at the airport for almost 13 hours no food no wifi and nowhere to sleep. Africans we can do better,” Boniface said.

  • The latest happenings could be interpreted as a very sad chapter in African football.

    It could be mentioned as one of the reasons why African football has been struggling to catch up with the rest of the world.

    Nigeria’s refusal to honour their fixture against Libya could also spark a legal wrangle with Caf.

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    WHAT NEXT?

    It remains to be seen if Nigeria will stick to their decision not to play Tuesday’s match or they will change their mind.

    Also, Caf is yet to respond or act on what has transpired in Libya.

    Goal