Super Eagles players are beginning to express their reactions to the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) disciplinary decision regarding Libya’s misconduct in the botched 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
The match, originally scheduled for October 15 in Benina, Libya, never took place due to the disruptive treatment faced by the Nigerian delegation.
In a ruling that has brought mixed reactions, CAF’s Disciplinary Board awarded Nigeria three points and three goals for the missed fixture, significantly boosting the Super Eagles’ qualification prospects for the AFCON 2025.
According to CAF’s decision, the Libya Football Federation (LFF) was fined $50,000, a penalty they must pay within 60 days of the notification. This ruling followed the Nigerian delegation’s ordeal in Libya.
Their flight, scheduled to land close to the Benina venue, was unexpectedly diverted over 300 kilometers away, reportedly due to instructions from Libyan officials.
This decision left the Nigerian team stranded in a remote airport for at least 17 hours, facing conditions that many of the players described as “inhumane.
” There, without adequate facilities or support, they were held as a standstill, lacking any viable transportation options or proper care for nearly a full day.
Reflecting on the incident, Nigerian international and Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong took to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to share his thoughts on the ruling.
Troost-Ekong, who has been vocal about the challenges players face on the international stage, posted, “JUSTICE: CAF awards three points and three goals to Nigeria. Libya fined $50,000.”
He further elaborated on the conditions surrounding the incident, noting, “The plane was diverted 300km from the scheduled airport, even when the pilot told them he was low on fuel.
” Troost-Ekong expressed relief over the ruling, adding, “One step closer to our target AFCON 2025,” indicating the importance of the awarded points in advancing their AFCON ambitions.
Stanley Nwabali, Nigeria’s Super Eagles goalkeeper, also voiced his reaction.
In a more humorous tone, Nwabali quote-tweeted CAF’s official announcement with the question, “$50k for eba?” a local Nigerian term referring to a popular starchy food staple.
His quip highlighted the perceived disparity between the fine imposed and the actual trauma and disruption experienced by the team.
This ruling marks a significant moment for Nigerian football, as it emphasizes the consequences of improper organization and lack of due process in international fixtures. CAF’s decision sends a strong message, highlighting the need for fair treatment and adequate support for visiting teams, regardless of their host country’s situation.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has been vocal about ensuring that their players are treated with respect, and CAF’s ruling in this case is seen as a step in the right direction.
