The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has taken swift action by removing the highly anticipated match between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Libya’s Mediterranean Knights from the ongoing 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

This decision follows a chaotic incident where the Super Eagles players and officials endured a 14-hour ordeal at a Libyan airport, forcing them to return home without playing the game.

Nigeria’s coach, Austin Eguavoen, said, “They treated us like animals. The players felt exhausted, hungry, and frustrated. It was unbearable.” It was unacceptable.”

The Libyan Football Federation has alleged sabotage, stating, “We did everything to ensure their safe arrival, but it seems there was a deliberate attempt to disrupt the team’s preparations.”

CAF has launched an investigation into the matter. “We take incidents of this nature very seriously,” said CAF Secretary General, Veron Mosengo-Omba. “The safety and well-being of players and officials are our top priority.”

The match was initially set to take place in Libya at 8 p.m., following Nigeria’s 1-0 victory in the first leg.

The outcome of the investigation will determine the future of the qualifier.

Nigeria Football Federation President, Ibrahim Gusau, welcomed CAF’s decision, saying, “We appreciate CAF’s swift action. The safety of our players is paramount.”

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