Tue Oct 15 17:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Nigeria Boycott Libya Match After Airport Diversion and Abandonment
**Benghazi, Libya -** The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, have pulled out of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya, citing their flight being diverted and subsequent abandonment at a remote airport.
The team, who were aiming to secure a place in the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco, was supposed to play in Benghazi. However, their chartered flight was unexpectedly diverted to Al Abraq Airport, 250km away from their destination, just as the plane was landing in Benghazi. The team was stranded at the airport for over 16 hours with no food, WiFi or sleeping arrangements, according to players.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) issued a statement condemning the incident, stating that the Libyan Football Federation failed to send any reception team or vehicles to transport the players to their hotel in Benghazi. Team captain William Troost-Ekong announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the players, due to the circumstances, had decided to not play the match.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has acknowledged the situation and stated that the matter will be referred to their Disciplinary Board for investigation. Appropriate action will be taken against any parties found to have violated CAF regulations.
The Libyan Football Federation has denied any intentional wrongdoing, attributing the flight diversion to routine air traffic protocols, security checks, or other logistical challenges. They have expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and hope the misunderstanding can be resolved amicably.
The outcome of the match and its impact on both teams’ standings in the qualifying group remain unclear. Nigeria’s victory over Libya in their previous match puts them in a strong position in their group, but the situation is now in limbo as CAF decides the next course of action.
First Piper 