The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Libya’s Mediterranean Knights was canceled due to poor treatment of the Nigerian players. After arriving in Libya, the team was stranded at Al Abraq International Airport for over 15 hours without food, water, or internet access. Following this inhumane treatment, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) decided to pull the Super Eagles out of the match.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) responded by referring the matter to its Disciplinary Board, promising an investigation and appropriate actions against those responsible.

Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, criticized Libya for violating CAF regulations and thanked the Nigerian authorities for ensuring the team’s safe return.

Saheed Afolabi, an analyst from Clear TV, expressed his frustration with the situation. He called for a firm response from CAF, saying that if Libya goes unpunished, it will set a bad example for other African countries. He suggested CAF should issue fines and ban Libya from hosting games for two years to prevent future incidents like this.

Afolabi also highlighted the contrast in how Nigeria treated the Libyan team when they visited. Despite landing at the wrong airport, the Nigerian Football Federation provided them with alternative transportation and security.

Afolabi believes that if CAF fails to punish Libya, other countries might adopt similar negative strategies to delay or mistreat visiting teams, damaging the spirit of fair competition in African football.