Nigeria Risks Sanctions Over Airport Ordeal, as NFF Considers Pulling Team Out
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) could award Libya three points and three goals if the Super Eagles follow through on their threat to boycott Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier. The game is the return leg of Nigeria’s 1-0 win at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, where Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scored the lone goal.
The Nigerian team has been stranded at Al Abraq Airport in Libya for over 15 hours, following their arrival for the crucial fixture in Benina. Frustrated by the situation, Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong took to X (formerly Twitter) to express the team’s resolve not to play under such conditions.
“As the captain, together with the team, we have decided that we will NOT play this game,” Troost-Ekong wrote, calling on CAF to review the situation. “Even if they decide to allow this kind of behaviour, let them have the points.”
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is reportedly making arrangements to bring the team back to Nigeria, a move that could result in CAF awarding a walkover victory to Libya. The Super Eagles risk facing sanctions, including the loss of three points and three goals, for boycotting the game.
However, CAF could impose sanctions on Libya if it determines that the Nigerian team was mistreated, potentially leading to penalties or fines for the North African nation.
Comments are closed.