CAF begins investigation into Super Eagles ordeal at Libyan airport

The Confederation of African Football has expressed deep concern over the troubling ordeal faced by Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, at a Libyan airport.

The federation highlighted immediate steps to engage both Libyan and Nigerian authorities, following reports that the team and their staff were left stranded under distressing conditions for several hours.

The incident is now under investigation by CAF’s Disciplinary Board.

This was contained in a statement obtained from the CAF website on Monday afternoon.
It was titled, “CAF Views the Disturbing and Unacceptable Experiences of the Nigerian National Football Team (‘Super Eagles’) at an Airport in Libya in a Very Serious Light.”

“The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) has been in contact with the Libyan and Nigerian authorities after it was informed that the Nigerian National Football Team (‘Super Eagles’) and their technical team were stranded in distressing conditions for several hours at an airport that they were allegedly instructed to land at by the Libyan authorities.

“The matter has been referred to the CAF Disciplinary Board for investigation, and appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the CAF Statutes and Regulations,” it read.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles have arrived at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano State, after their ordeal in Libya ahead of the 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifier.
Earlier, the Libyan Football Federation addressed the circumstances behind the Nigerian Super Eagles’ extended delay at Al Abraq International Airport, attributing the situation to routine air traffic and logistical challenges rather than deliberate foul play.

In a statement on Monday via X, the LFF sought to clarify the events, emphasising that the diversion of the Nigerian team’s flight was not intended as a hostile act.

“We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation,” the LFF said.

However, President of the Libyan Football Federation, Abdelhakim Al-Shalmani, announced his resignation during a regular meeting of the Federation’s General Assembly.

“I do not want to be part of the failure in Libyan sports,” Al-Shalmani was quoted.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the safe return of Super Eagles to the country after their ordeal in Libya ahead of the 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifier.
In a statement on Monday signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said he was moved by the inhuman treatment endured by the Super Eagles players and officials in Libya.

The statement read partly, “President Tinubu expects the Disciplinary Board of the Confederation of African Football to conduct a thorough investigation and recommend appropriate action against those who wilfully violated the organisation’s statutes and regulations.”