CAF Sanctions Loom After Victor Boniface, Super Eagles Stranded in Libya

Over the past week, the international break has been observed globally, with African nations participating in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers to secure their place in next year’s tournament. Nigeria travelled to Libya for the second leg of their tie, which was expected to be an exciting football match. However, the trip turned into a nightmare for the Nigerian team.

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What Happened Between the Two Countries

pic.twitter.com/UrMAawFdQb

— William Troost-Ekong (M.O.N) (@WTroostEkong) October 14, 2024

On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, the Libyan national team arrived in Nigeria for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Before their arrival, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) had requested their travel details to make proper arrangements for landing in Uyo, the city where the match was scheduled. However, the Libyan team did not provide the requested information and unexpectedly landed in Port Harcourt instead.

Caught off guard, the NFF quickly organized transportation from Port Harcourt to Uyo. Though the Libyan team claimed they had arrangements for their journey, the NFF provided a security escort to ensure the team’s safe passage to the match venue. Despite the logistical issues, the match was held, with Nigeria winning 1-0. The return leg was then scheduled for Libya.

On Sunday, October 13, 2024, the Nigerian team departed from Kano to Libya for the second leg. However, shortly before their arrival, the Benghazi airport authorities, citing orders from higher officials, diverted the Nigerian plane. The Super Eagles were forced to land at Al Abraq Airport, a facility known to be inadequate for their needs and located far from Benghazi, where the match was set to take place.

Initially, the Nigerian players remained positive, but the situation deteriorated when the Libyan authorities held them at the airport for hours without food, water, and internet. After an 11-hour wait, the only transport provided was a substandard bus for a long, dangerous journey. Faced with safety concerns and poor conditions, the Nigerian team’s spirit started to wane as they questioned the Libyan authorities' treatment of their squad. Thankfully through the intervention of the Nigerian Minister of Sports John Enoh, the team was conveyed back to Nigeria.

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Reaction From Nigerian Players

This is getting scary now

You guys can have the point

We just want to return to our country

— Victor Boniface (@boniface_jrn) October 14, 2024

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The first player to raise concerns was team captain and former Watford defender, William Troost-Ekong, who took to his X page to inform Nigerians about the troubling situation in Libya. Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface, who was set to lead Nigeria’s attack, also voiced his concerns. As conditions showed no signs of improvement, the entire team, in solidarity, agreed to boycott the match.

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CAF's Response to the Issue

CAF views the disturbing and unacceptable experiences of the Nigerian National Football Team (‘’Super Eagles’’) at an airport in Libya in a very serious lighthttps://t.co/ee4ibHIw4v

— CAF Media (@CAF_Media) October 14, 2024

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially removed the scheduled match between Nigeria and Libya from its fixture list and has pledged to launch an investigation into the incident.

Reports suggest that similar issues have occurred previously on Libyan soil, and severe sanctions will likely be imposed on Libya. Failing to address this situation with appropriate penalties could damage the credibility of African football and cast a negative shadow over the sport on the continent.