Nigeria's Super Eagles have opted to boycott their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya, following an unexpected and distressing ordeal at Al Abraq airport. Scheduled to land in Benghazi, the Super Eagles' plane was rerouted, leaving the team stranded overnight and sparking accusations of negligence. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) expressed disappointment over being "completely abandoned" and "locked inside" the airport without explanation, while team captain William Troost-Ekong took to social media to label the treatment as disgraceful and call for government intervention.

In response, the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) expressed concern but dismissed suggestions of foul play, citing potential logistical challenges. The incident echoes previous complaints of hostile treatment Libya faced in Nigeria during the reverse fixture. With Libya embroiled in political turmoil, the Nigerian squad expressed unease about road travel due to security concerns, further fueling their decision not to proceed with the game scheduled for Tuesday.

As diplomatic tensions rise, the Confederation of African Football awaits further clarification, while the standoff highlights ongoing challenges in hosting international tournaments amidst political instability in the region. Despite their lead in Group D, Nigeria's footballers remain adamant about prioritizing safety over competition.