No going back: Super Eagles land in Kano after pulling out of 2025 Afconq against Libya

The Nigerian national football team has arrived in Kano after deciding to boycott Tuesday's 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Libya's Mediterranean Knights in Benghazi, citing poor treatment from the North Africans. 

The team faced inhumane treatment and was left stranded for over 15 hours following their arrival on Sunday evening via a ValueJet aircraft.

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, the players expressed their dissatisfaction with the situation, suggesting a withdrawal from the upcoming match against Libya.

They also called for immediate intervention from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to address the distressing circumstances they endured.

CAF responded swiftly, condemning the treatment of the Super Eagles as "disturbing and unacceptable."

The organization escalated the matter to its Disciplinary Board, threatening penalties for any individuals found in violation of CAF's statutes and regulations.

Following the outcry from various stakeholders, the Super Eagles were finally able to depart from Al Abraq Airport, landing in Kano on Monday evening.

The team was scheduled to face Libya in the return leg of the 2025 AFCON qualifier on Tuesday, October 15, at the Benina Stadium. 

In the previous encounter, Nigeria secured a narrow 1-0 victory in Uyo last Friday.

As Nigeria currently sits atop Group D with seven points, while Libya lingers at the bottom with just one point from three matches, all eyes are now on CAF's forthcoming decision regarding the incident.

The outcome could have significant implications for the teams involved as well as for the integrity of the competition.

Adeyemi Adewale

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