2025 Afcon Qualifiers: Caf to punish Libya? African football’s governing body condemns disturbing treatment of Nigeria’s Super Eagles

After a social media uproar regarding the treatment of the Nigerian Super Eagles team in Libya, it has left a sour taste in the mouths of football-loving people across the continent.

Such incidents should not be happening in this day and age, where opponents should be made to feel welcome, not abandoned. The team was left stranded for over 15 hours at an abandoned airport in Libya after their chartered flight arrived on Sunday. During this time, players were deprived of basic necessities like food and water, heightening their frustration.

The Nigerian team has since flown back to their home country and is leaving the matter in the hands of Caf’s Disciplinary Committee, hoping for swift action against those responsible for this unacceptable treatment.

• GOAL

  CAF STATEMENT

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

  “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.”

  • Getty

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    The outcome of the Disciplinary Committee will set a critical precedent, as it must demonstrate that there are serious consequences for such misconduct.

    Beyond just awarding or deducting points, the ruling will reflect whether African football can evolve into a competitive and ethically sound space.

    If perpetrators aren’t severely punished, it risks normalizing poor treatment of teams traveling across the continent, weakening the spirit of sportsmanship.

    For Caf, the challenge is to use this incident as an opportunity to push for improved standards, better logistical planning, and stricter accountability to ensure football thrives both on and off the pitch.

  • AFP

    WHAT NEXT FOR NIGERIA AND LIBYA?

    With Nigeria leading Group D with seven points following a recent 1-0 victory over Libya in Uyo, the unexpected boycott puts their campaign in jeopardy.

    Libya, currently bottom of the group with only one point, could potentially be awarded the points if CAF rules the match a forfeit. Caf

    has acknowledged the situation and is working with Libyan and Nigerian authorities.

    The outcome of the Disciplinary Committee will be what everyone in the football world is looking at, as it must send a message that African football needs to grow.

    Perpetrators must be severely punished for tarnishing the CAF brand, ensuring such incidents don’t happen again and maintaining the integrity of the sport across the continent.