William Troost Ekong has confirmed that the Super Eagles are finally returning to Nigeria after a tense standoff with Libyan authorities ahead of their AFCON 2025 qualifier. The Nigerian team experienced unexpected difficulties when their flight was diverted, and they were left stranded at Abraq International Airport, severely hampering their preparations for the scheduled match.
The complications led to the cancellation of Nigeria’s participation in the Tuesday fixture. Although CAF President Patrice Motsepe appealed to Nigeria’s Minister of Sports, Senator John Owan Enoh, to proceed with the game, the logistical challenges proved insurmountable. This development could disrupt the AFCON qualification schedule, especially with upcoming windows dedicated to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The 2025 AFCON tournament remains slated for Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
Editorial
The Super Eagles’ ordeal in Libya sheds light on the importance of ensuring proper arrangements and respect for visiting teams. The challenges faced by Nigeria’s national team point to a concerning lack of coordination, which not only impacts player safety and morale but also jeopardises the integrity of international competitions. CAF must work closely with host nations to prevent such incidents from recurring, as these situations can hinder fair play and cast a shadow over the spirit of sportsmanship.
Taking to social media platform X, Troost Ekong shared, Power of social media. Our plane is being fueled as we speak, and we should be leaving for Nigeria shortly. Thanks for everyone’s support! I reiterate We would NEVER treat a guest nation for a game in this way. Mistakes happen, and delays happen. But never on purpose.
Nigeria’s decision to return home rather than proceed with the match underscores a firm stand on player welfare. Troost Ekong’s message on social media, highlighting the Super Eagles’ commitment to treating visitors respectfully, serves as a reminder of the standards that all teams should uphold. This incident should encourage stronger measures to safeguard the interests of athletes, ensuring that future international matches are free from logistical and diplomatic issues.
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Did You Know?
- The AFCON Africa Cup of Nations is Africa’s premier football tournament, organised by the Confederation of African Football CAF.
- The Super Eagles have a rich history in AFCON, winning the title three times.
- Libya’s national team, known as the Mediterranean Knights, often faces Nigerian teams in AFCON qualifiers due to regional matchups.
- The 2025 AFCON in Morocco will be held from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
- William Troost Ekong, Nigeria’s team captain, has been a vocal advocate for player rights and safety during international assignments.
