Nigeria Vs Libya’s AFCON Match Off?

Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Libya may be in jeopardy, as Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has stated that the team is leaving Libya.

Nigeria has accused Libya of underhanded tactics after arriving in the country on Sunday and being allegedly stranded at the airport for nearly 14 hours.

The players were seen sleeping on chairs at the airport, prompting Ekong and Victor Boniface to share posts on social media. Ekong, named player of the tournament at the AFCON earlier this year, has declared that Nigeria will not play the match, which was scheduled at Martyrs of February Stadium in Benghazi on Tuesday.

Nigeria was not able to land in Benghazi and was instead diverted to Al Abraq, approximately 230 kilometers away from their intended destination.

“The power of social media. Apparently, our plane is being fuelled 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!” said Ekong.

Nigeria defeated Libya 1-0 at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match.

The Super Eagles, who were runners-up in the AFCON final to Ivory Coast earlier this year, are currently leading Group D with seven points after three matches.

A win against Libya on Tuesday would have secured their qualification for the AFCON finals with two games to spare, similar to South Africa, who are also on seven points in Group K. Bafana Bafana will face Congo at Stade Alphonse Massamba-Débat in Brazzaville.

Burkina Faso became the first team to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following a 2-0 away win against Burundi on Sunday. The Stallions are guaranteed a top-two finish in Group L after earning 10 points from the first four rounds of matches.

Algeria, Angola, DR Congo, Egypt, and Ivory Coast could join Burkina Faso in qualifying for the finals by the end of the fourth round of qualifiers on Tuesday.