The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially removed the second-leg fixture between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Libya’s Mediterranean Knights from the schedule for the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
This decision was announced on Tuesday via CAF’s official X handle.
The controversy arose on Monday when Nigeria withdrew from the scheduled match in Libya due to allegations of maltreatment of its players and officials at Al Abraq Airport by the host country.
The match was originally set to kick off at 8 PM on Tuesday in Libya, following the first leg at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where the Super Eagles clinched a last-minute victory over the Mediterranean Knights.
Reports indicate that upon the Nigerian team’s arrival in Libya on Sunday, they faced significant challenges, including long delays and inadequate treatment by the local authorities.
Sources close to the Super Eagles have described the situation at the airport as “humiliating,” stating that the players and officials were subjected to unnecessary scrutiny and disrespect.
The decision to withdraw was made after discussions among team officials, who expressed deep concern for the welfare of the players. “We cannot compromise the safety and dignity of our team,” a source within the Nigerian Football Federation said. “We expected better treatment as guests, especially considering the spirit of sportsmanship that should guide such encounters.”
Following the announcement of the match’s removal, CAF reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all teams participating in its tournaments are treated fairly and respectfully. “We will continue to monitor the situation and ensure that the integrity of our competitions is upheld,” CAF stated in its message.
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The withdrawal and subsequent cancellation of the match have sparked a wave of reactions across social media, with many fans and analysts supporting Nigeria’s stance on player welfare and safety.
The Nigerian Football Federation has called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, emphasizing the need for a more respectful and secure environment for international fixtures.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how CAF will address the implications of this incident for the ongoing qualifiers and the future of African football diplomacy.
