The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has vowed to take all necessary measures to defend the dignity of Nigeria and safeguard the welfare of the Super Eagles, following the poor treatment the national team endured in Libya.
The senior men’s national team was subjected to inhumane conditions upon arriving in Libya for the second leg of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Group D fixture against the Mediterranean Knights. In a video shared by the Super Eagles media team, players and officials were seen stranded at the airport, with their luggage, while Libyan authorities appeared indifferent, conversing only in Arabic.
The team’s arrival was further complicated when their plane was diverted to Al Abraq International Airport, over 200 kilometers from their intended destination. Typically used for hajj operations, the airport lacked basic facilities, leaving the players frustrated and exhausted. The Libyan Football Federation failed to provide transportation, forcing the NFF to make alternative arrangements.
For more than 20 hours, the Nigerian contingent was held at the airport without food, water, or internet access. The ordeal ultimately led the three-time African champions to boycott the match.
“We have faced difficult situations before, but this one crossed the line,” Gusau told Super Sports in an interview. “Our players were left without basic needs, and the trauma they experienced made it impossible for them to perform at their best.”
Gusau reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the team from such incidents in the future.
