Super Eagles caretaker coach Augustine Eguavoen has shared details of the shocking ordeal faced by the Nigerian national team in Libya, where they were allegedly held at a remote airport under harsh conditions, according to Soccernet.ng.
The Super Eagles had traveled to Libya for the second leg of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights but were subjected to inhumane treatment upon arrival.
Speaking to reporters after their return to Nigeria on Monday evening, Eguavoen described the traumatic experience, which lasted nearly 20 hours.
“Thanks to the Libyans for letting us go, but it was a horrible 18-20 hours of experience, and we don’t want to go through that again,” Eguavoen said.
The team was reportedly held at a remote airport, over two hours away from the match venue, where they were denied basic necessities, including food and water.
Eguavoen stressed that competing under such conditions was impossible. “We were held hostage; we could not have played this match under these conditions,” he explained.
Reflecting on the situation, Eguavoen added, “We know how football can unite the world, but for them to act like this, I cannot comprehend seriously. It was strange.”
He expressed confidence that CAF would conduct an investigation into the matter and take appropriate action. “CAF are human; they would do their investigations and come up with solutions.”
The Super Eagles were forced to withdraw from the match, scheduled for Tuesday, leaving CAF to decide whether the game will be rescheduled or if points will be forfeited.
Meanwhile, the Libya Football Federation (LFF) condemned Nigeria’s withdrawal, threatening legal action. The LFF claimed that their delegation was poorly treated during the first leg of the fixture in Nigeria, where the Super Eagles won 1-0.
The Libyans accused the Nigeria Football Federation of not cooperating in accordance with CAF regulations, further escalating tensions between both football bodies.
As CAF prepares to investigate, the resolution of this dispute remains uncertain.