CAF Cancels Nigeria vs Libya Fixture After Airport Inhumane Treatment Sparks Diplomatic Fallout

The match, initially scheduled for Tuesday at 8 PM in Libya, was thrown into turmoil following reports of Nigeria’s national team enduring over 14 hours of inhumane treatment at a Libyan airport. The first leg, held at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria, saw the Super Eagles narrowly win 1-0 with a last-minute goal.

However, the return leg became the center of controversy when Nigerian officials and players reported that their chartered flight was diverted mid-air to Al-Abraq International Airport—a small facility typically reserved for Hajj operations. Stranded upon arrival, the Super Eagles were confined at the airport without access to food, internet, or transportation for 18 hours.

CAF has since launched an investigation into the incident, following accusations from the Libya Football Federation (LFF), which claimed sabotage and threatened legal action against Nigeria. In the meantime, CAF omitted the Libya-Nigeria game from its official match updates on its X (formerly Twitter) account.

Nigerian Politicians Demand Accountability and Sanctions

The incident has ignited diplomatic outrage in Nigeria, with high-profile political figures calling for swift action. Senate President Godswill Akpabio strongly condemned the treatment of the national team, calling it a violation of international norms and a breach of fair play and sportsmanship.

“This unfortunate incident is a stark reminder of the disregard for human dignity and the lack of respect for international standards,” Akpabio stated through his media adviser, Eseme Eyiboh. “The Nigerian Senate stands in solidarity with the Super Eagles, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and the entire football community in condemning this unjust treatment. The dignity of our citizens must always be protected.”

Members of the House of Representatives were equally vocal, demanding accountability from the Libyan government. The House passed a motion urging the Federal Government to summon the Libyan Ambassador to Nigeria for questioning over the mistreatment of the Super Eagles.

Nigerian Lawmakers Mobilize Investigations

The House resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance introduced by Kabiru Amadu, chair of the House Committee on Sports. Amadu detailed how the Super Eagles' flight was diverted to Al-Abraq Airport, and upon arrival at 14:00 on Sunday, October 13, 2024, the team was effectively held hostage for 18 hours.

“The airport had minimal amenities, and the team was denied permission to leave for their hotel. With no food or internet access, the contingent was stranded under humiliating conditions,” Amadu stated, adding that the Libyan authorities’ actions were unacceptable for an international fixture.

Lawmakers from other regions also contributed to the debate. Chris Nkwonta, representing Abia State, condemned the ordeal, emphasizing that such treatment should never be tolerated. “This is unacceptable for our national team, and we must ensure this never happens again,” he said.

Next Steps: Diplomatic and Sporting Actions

Following the House’s deliberations, it urged the Federal Government to take diplomatic steps by summoning the Libyan ambassador for questioning. Additionally, the House mandated its Committee on Foreign Affairs and Sports to conduct a detailed investigation into the incident.

The NFF has been directed to file formal complaints with both CAF and FIFA, seeking accountability for the dehumanizing treatment suffered by the Super Eagles.

Implications for AFCON 2025 Qualifiers

Nigeria’s strong stance may have wider implications for Libya’s standing in international football, with many observers, including former Nigerian football star Victor Ikpeba, calling for sanctions against Libya. "CAF must act decisively. This is a high-risk country, and Libya should not be allowed to host international fixtures under these circumstances," Ikpeba told AFP.

While the Super Eagles continue to lead Group D with seven points, the Libyan Football Federation risks disciplinary action if CAF’s investigation confirms misconduct. Whether the game will be rescheduled or forfeited remains uncertain as the diplomatic fallout deepens.

This incident underscores the delicate intersection between sports and diplomacy, raising concerns about player safety and respect for international sporting standards in politically unstable regions.